Twin Falls 2, Sandpoint 1

NAMPA — Huxley Hall scored on a penalty kick during the 76th minute, but the No. 3 Bulldogs' comeback bid fell just short of the No. 4 Bruins (14-7-1) in a 5A State Championship third-place match held this past Saturday at Columbia High.

Hall's goal, which found the bottom right-corner of the net as the opposing goalie flinched left, capped off a storied career for the senior at Sandpoint High. Among other close chances on the day were a 35-yard far-side free kick by senior Logan McGrann that sailed just over the crossbar during the sixth minute, a McGrann corner kick during the 26th minute that was punched out by the defense, and a shot by freshman Wesley Drube that went just right during the 47th minute.

Junior goalkeeper Landon Brinkmeier highlighted the match once again, making eight saves in total. He had a point-blank kick save during the 18th minute, a horizontal, diving save during the 35th minute and a number of saves on solid tries during the second half to keep the Bulldogs in it, as he did throughout the entirety of the tournament.

Sandpoint High head coach Dan Anderson said he couldn't be prouder of the way his team fought until the very end.

"To lift themselves up and go again after our devastating loss yesterday was no easy feat," coach Anderson said. "We put absolutely everything we had into that match."

It was an evenly-matched affair, with Sandpoint recording nine shots on goal compared to Twins Falls' 10.

Coach Anderson said it was a privilege to coach this team made up of exceptional young men. He also expressed thanks to his coaching staff for their steadfast dedication, to the passionate and always helpful parents of the program, and to everyone else who helped and supported the team with their endeavors this season.

"They should be incredibly proud of themselves and what they accomplished this year," coach Anderson noted. "The program will also greatly miss our group of seniors, but we are excited to see what’s in store for them as they move forward with their lives."

Sandpoint, which finished the season officially fourth in the state, posted a record of 14-5-2 and outscored opponents 70-22. It's the Bulldogs' most wins in a season since the years of 2012 and 2022 in which they had 13-win seasons.

In the state championship match, No. 2 Wood River (18-1-2), which the Bulldogs fell to by a score of 3-2 in the semifinals, defeated No. 1 Vallivue (17-2) by a score of 5-0.

1st half — 1, TF, Reese Nebeker (Clive Muyingo), 30'. 2nd half — 2, TF, Max Serrano (unassisted), 55'. 3, SPT, Huxley Hall (penalty kick), 76'.

Shots on goal: Sandpoint — 9. Twin Falls — 10.

Saves: Sandpoint — Landon Brinkmeier 8. Twin Falls — Jose Hernandez 8.