Sandpoint 1, Caldwell 1 (Sandpoint wins 5-4 in PK’s)

CALDWELL — We’re certainly not in Philadelphia, but some brotherly love was on display as siblings Jett and Kai Longanecker helped No. 6 Sandpoint upset No. 3 Caldwell on the final penalty kick of the game in the first round of the 4A state championship held Thursday at Brothers Park.

It was nothing short of an instant classic Thursday afternoon. At halftime, the game was tied 0-0. In the second half, that is where possibly every emotion was felt by Sandpoint players, parents, and fans alike.

During the 65th minute, Caldwell took the lead off a corner kick. Head coach Tanner French said it was a short corner, and the Cougars made them pay off a costly mistake. Down but not out, Sandpoint fought hard and was eventually able to score a goal of their own.

During the 79th minute, Sandpoint switched up formations, and after a pass from Huxley Hall, the ball ended up at the feet of Jett Longanecker. Jett went to cross the ball, and instead unintentionally scored a goal that banked in off the far post to tie the game 1-1. The game would head into double overtime, but neither team was able to score a golden goal, so penalty kicks ensued.

After four penalty kicks each, Caldwell had four, and Sandpoint had four, neither team able to gain an edge. Sandpoint’s goalkeeper Kai Longanecker made a terrific save on Caldwell’s next attempt and now the fate of Sandpoint’s season laid at the feet of his brother, Jett.

Jett Longanecker wound up and kicked left, scoring just inside the post to give Sandpoint a 5-4 victory in penalty kicks. Sandpoint fans, coaches, and players rushed the field beaming with excitement.

“We coach these boys in a way that gets them ready to maintain focus in a different environment, especially in an environment like this, away from home, with the tournament being hosted by Caldwell,” French said. “We used their home field advantage to our advantage and just went for it.”

When describing the atmosphere, French was overcome with emotion after that last penalty kick made its way into the goal for Sandpoint.

“I have seen lots of games go both ways with penalty kicks,” French said. “But I don’t think I ever felt the way I did after this one, seeing how much it meant to these players. It was exhilarating to say the least. We’re going to enjoy the win and look forward to hopefully another win tomorrow.”

No. 6 Sandpoint (10-4) advances to the second round of the 4A state championship where they will face No. 7 Blackfoot (12-3-1), who upset No. 2 Canyon Ridge, on Friday at Brothers Park in Caldwell at 2:30 p.m. (MST).