MIDDLETON – No. 6 Sandpoint got on the board first, but couldn’t outlast No. 1 Wood River, falling 3-1 in the state title match on Saturday at Middleton High School.

During the 17th minute, senior Henry Barnes took a corner kick and the ball deflected off a Wolverine defender and in to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage. The goal was officially ruled as an own goal but couldn’t have been possible without Barnes’ placement of the ball.

“I wouldn’t call ourselves lucky with that goal,” head coach Tanner French said. “What I did tell them is… you just punched them in the face and they're gonna come for us, we need to stand firm.”

French was ultimately right, as Wood River played the rest of the half in Sandpoint territory scoring goals during both the 33rd and 37th minutes to take a 2-1 lead heading into halftime. The Wolverines goals were scored by Jack Tierney and Conrad Foster.

In the second half, Sandpoint was able to muster up a couple of good chances but couldn’t get on the board. Wood River’s Brandon Marroquin sealed the deal with a goal during the 76th minute to put the Wolverines ahead 3-1.

“A lot of this game comes down to mental obstacles, motivation, and pushing through exhaustion,” French said. “I had a conversation with the team this morning about our potential, and how we could win this game, but I think it may have just come down to a lack of experience. We have to give credit to Wood River, who had 18 guys who could really play and gave their full energy for the full 80 minutes.”

Despite the loss, French said he knew his Bulldogs gave it their all today.

“I think when you experience something like this, you learn more lessons about life than you do soccer,” French said. “These boys need to keep their chins up. They beat great teams this year and moving forward we will see success again. I’m proud of these boys; for a lot of them, it was their last game, and they gave 100 percent.”

French has noted the play and dedication from senior Jett Longanecker all season long, and said today especially, he gave it his all.

“This season was definitely one to remember for me,” Longanecker said. “Without a doubt it was a letdown to lose in the final, but it’s impossible to overlook the successes of the season as a whole. Personally, a lot of hard work that I put in was realized, and I was able to build on what I had in terms of experience tremendously. It was great to be part of such a diverse group of players, and it was great to play a part in leading them to the state final. Obviously, not the result we wanted, but I think we all had fun, made memories, and improved along the way. I am going to miss playing as a Bulldog.”

Jett’s brother, Kai Longanecker had 14 saves in goal for the Bulldogs, which ranks among the top for a Sandpoint player in the state title game.

“I think he is one of the best keepers in the state, and I don’t think that is a biased take,” French said. “When it comes down to his technique, at this age, with his talent, he has endless possibilities.”

Sandpoint finished their season 11-5 overall and officially as the No. 2 4A team in the state of Idaho, a rather large accomplishment considering the Bulldogs were the No. 6 seed in this years’ 4A state tournament.

1st half – 1, SPT, Own Goal, 17’. 2, WR, Jack Tierney (Satya Redman), 33’. 3, WR, Conrad Foster (Hayden Gvozdas), 37’. 2nd half – 4, WR, Brandon Marroquin (Satya Redman), 76’.

Shots on goal – Sandpoint 2. Wood River 17.

Saves – Sandpoint, Kai Longanecker, 14. Wood River, Ben Torres, 1.