Sandpoint denies Lakeland 4A IEL title

SANDPOINT — A big night from junior running back Dillan Mitton, who gained more than 300 yards from scrimmage, and a strong performance from sophomore backup quarterback Jaxon Pettit helped the Sandpoint Bulldogs score a 35-21 win over the Lakeland Hawks on Friday night in 4A Inland Empire League football at Barlow Stadium.

Sandpoint (2-6, 1-0 4A IEL) can clinch the league title with a win at Moscow next Friday.

Lakeland (3-5, 1-1) travels to Clarkston next Friday in the regular season finale. If Sandpoint wins, Lakeland will clinch a playoff spot as the league’s second seed.

The Bulldogs (2-6, 1-0 4A IEL) cut their teeth on a tough nonleague schedule, and the seasoning served them well when league play brought new life and a chance for a spot in the playoffs.

Lakeland took an early 8-3 lead on a touchdown pass from Logan Siegford to Jake Pope, follwed by a two-point conversion by Josh Brandt. A 1-yard touchdown run by Wyatt Gatten gave the Hawks the advantage again in the second quarter.

Sandpoint scored 25 straight points before Lakeland scored on a 41-yard touchdown pass from Siegford to Trey McArthur.

Lakeland 8 6 0 7 — 21

Sandpoint 10 7 7 11 — 35

Spt — FG, Garrett Chandler, 34

LL — Jake Pope 34 pass from Logan Siegford (Josh Brandt run)

Spt — Julian Barajas 8 pass from Robbie Johnson (Chander kick)

LL — Wyatt Gatten 1 run (run failed)

Spt — Dillan Mitton 56 pass from Jaxon Pettit (Chander kick)

Spt — Mitton 14 run (Chandler kick)

Spt — FG, Chandler 36

Spt — Mitton 29 pass from Pettit (Thomas Riley run)

LL — Trey McAurthur 41 pass from Siegford (kick good)