COEUR d’ALENE — Once wasn’t enough for the Bulldogs and Timberwolves.

After meeting three weeks ago at War Memorial Field, Sandpoint football and Lake City will face off again at 7 p.m. tonight.

Coming into this season, tonight was slated to be the only matchup between these two teams. But holes in both teams’ schedules due to the coronavirus pandemic forced an additional meeting between the two schools.

In the first game, Sandpoint senior Trevan Adam intercepted a Lake City pass in the end zone with 15 seconds left to seal a 20-15 victory for the Bulldogs.

The story of the game was the Sandpoint defense. They rose up and forced Lake City quarterback Chris Irvin to throw four interceptions. The Bulldogs needed every one of those turnovers to claim their first and only victory so far this season.

Head coach Ryan Knowles is expecting another tight game with the Timberwolves.

“They are 1-4 with their backs against the wall,” he said, “and I’m sure they’re anxious for the game Friday night to get some revenge on a very close loss.”

The Bulldogs aren’t used to seeing a team twice in a season, but one thing is clear — both teams know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“They know our skill sets, we know their skill sets so it’s going to be up to the boys to go out there and play and take care of business and that’s how you want it,” Knowles said. “Let them go settle the game.”

Sandpoint has played a tough schedule thus far facing all four of the schools in the 5A Inland Empire League.

The rugged schedule has been challenging for a young Bulldogs team still trying to find their identity in all facets of the game.

“I like what we're doing, I like where we’re at,” Knowles said. “We got some work to do but at the same time at those positions we keep talking about getting better, it’s like OK, ‘When are we going to get better? When are we going to take the steps and grow?’”

Believe it or not, the Bulldogs are already past the midway point of the season with four games down and three to go. In those four games, the Sandpoint offense has produced a total of 33 points.

Last week at Lewiston, the Bulldogs (1-3) only managed 5 yards rushing. On defense, Sandpoint allowed the Bengals to score 24 points, but held them scoreless for the final two and a half quarters.

Knowles said the offensive line needs to focus on winning their one-on-one battles in order to establish a more consistent running game.

In their first matchup with the Timberwolves, Sandpoint had its best effort on the ground this season. The Bulldogs had 113 rushing yards including 106 from junior running back Gerrit Cox.

Knowles said across the board everyone needs to step up and play more aggressive if they want to complete a season sweep of Lake City.

“It seems like when this group loses a game they come back with some fire and passion and go, so that’s what we need out of our team this week,” he said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. tonight at Lake City High. You can listen to the game on AM 1400 KSPT or ROCK 103 (FM 102.9). The game will also be livestreamed on Sportscope. The cost to watch is $5 per game.