SANDPOINT — School hasn’t even started yet, but a number of SHS students will be taking their first big test tonight, as the new-look SHS football team makes it debut when East Valley comes to town for the season opener.

Most of the questions on said test will be answered on the field, as the Bulldogs return just three starters on each side of the ball from a team that went to the 4A state championship game last year.

Starting for the first time at quarterback, behind a mostly new offensive line, will be senior Brandon Hawkins, the most mobile quarterback the Bulldogs have featured in years. SHS head coach Mike Mitchell started last season with a first year varsity quarterback as well, and is hoping Hawkins can surprise some people much the same way Daniel Charvoz did.

“Hawkins was outstanding in fall camp,” said Mitchell, whose team will feature a wealth of new varsity starters on both sides of the ball. “We’ll have to develop as a team all season.”

A quarterback’s best friend is a good running game, and the Bulldogs will feature a tandem of backs as good as any in North Idaho in powerful senior fullback Luther Morgan and junior scat back Anthony Gold.

One of the biggest keys early in the season will be the development of the offensive line, led by lone returning starter Josh Mathews.

“They need to know assignments and be on people,” said Mitchell, noting line coach Troy Holt has the new unit gelling well. “We’ve got a running back that can win games. We’ll need an offense diverse enough to keep people off balance.”

Safety returning starter Eric Nikssarian will lead a swarming defense, which also features a host of new starters. Mitchell believes the linebacking corps of Morgan, Cole Fuhrman and newcomer Kevin Hutchens could end up being one of the team’s biggest strengths.

East Valley went 3-5 last season, its last in the Greater Spokane League before joining the six team Great Northern League this season. The film Mitchell looked at from last season featured a multiple offense out of the “I” formation, and a 3-5 defense, although that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what Sandpoint will see tonight.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m., under the Friday night lights of Barlow Stadium.