SANDPOINT — Sandpoint head coach Mike Mitchell says tonight’s opponent, No. 4 ranked 5A power Coeur d’Alene, reminds him very much of last year’s Sandpoint team, high praise since the Bulldogs advanced to the 4A state championship.

The Vikings (2-1) are a cut above the three Great Northern League teams the Bulldogs (2-1) have faced to start the season, possessing size, speed and athletes on both sides of the ball.

“It’s going to take all we’ve got to handle them,” said Mitchell, who believes picking up the Vikings ample blitz package will be the key to the game. “We’ll see more blitzes than we’ve seen all year. They’ve got good athletes and they try to rattle you. If we get it handled, they’ll (Vikings) be in trouble.”

Blitzing is akin to gambling, and it can be a double-edged sword. If Sandpoint can pick up the blitz, it opens up the capability of big plays, both in the running and passing game. If not, it could make for a long night.

The Vikings will be well aware of running back Anthony Gold, the focal point of the offense so far this season with more than 560 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He’s also scored twice in special teams, where he’s extra dangerous in space. Mitchell wants to cut his workload, but concedes Gold gives them the best chance to win.

Quarterback Brandon Hawkins continues to make strides, and last week was effective running the option. The Vikings may force Mitchell’s hand by loading eight players in to the box, and at some point the Bulldogs may have to rely more on the passing game to move the chains.

Defensively, the Bulldogs will have to stop a solid screen game, a staple of the Vikings’ offense. The Vikings ran the play early and often in their first three games, a 42-19 win over Moscow, a 31-0 win over Moses Lake and a 36-34 loss to Vancouver, Washington powerhouse Skyview. The Vikings are also coming off a bye week.

“We’re a gap cancellation defense. If everybody does their job, we’ll be fine,” said Mitchell, whose defense has been dominant in stretches but also vulnerable at times. “Last year we gave up one long play and this year we’ve given up several.”

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Coeur d’Alene High School. The game will be called live on AM 1400.