SANDPOINT — The sound of pads cracking returned to War Memorial Field last week for one of several scrimmages hosted by Sandpoint High School football.

The Bulldogs took part in three scrimmages against Glacier High, Sentinel High, Central Valley High and Gonzaga Prep as part of the team's 10-day window over the summer to practice using pads. Sandpoint head coach Ryan Knowles said this time of year is critical for building physicality, and he thought his team got better as the week progressed.  

"You have sophomores stepping up into junior ranks, and they're going against the varsity squads for the first time, so it's a little bit of a feeling-out process," Knowles said. "I've always been really excited about the three teams we play, and how they challenge us, and how it helps our ability to be physical and ready for the harder part of our schedule." 

The week started against Glacier High School, based out of Kalispell, Mont., which went undefeated and won the Class AA State title in 2025. Knowles said that scrimmage is always a great start for the team and sets a high standard of competition for the Bulldogs. 

As it was the first day with pads on, Knowles described the practice as a wake-up call for his team, but they did some good things that they built on throughout the week. The Bulldogs' coaching staff really focused on using this time to work through the gritty part of the game, like blocking and tackling, Knowles said. 

"In that 10-day window, that's when we get to learn how to block and learn how to get off blocks and learn how to tackle and learn how to break tackles," Knowles said. "These are the days to be physical and show us what you can do, because the next time we do, it'll be getting ready for Twin Falls." 

Last year's star on both sides of the ball, Brock Yarbrough, was the first name Knowles mentioned when asked about standout players from the week. Yarbrough heads into his senior season after a 1,047-yard and nine touchdown receiving season and 64 tackles and three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. 

"He's a bona fide playmaker, we know it, and everyone we play is going to know it," Knowles said. "He just finds a way to make some nice plays and perform. That doesn't surprise anybody." 

Other offensive stars mentioned by Knowles were Jensen Sheets, Sandpoint's All-State running back, who's returning from an injury. Coach said that this was the first time Sheets had been able to get up to speed since the injury, and he looked great, which Knowles credits to his time in the weight room. 

Sheets is set to share the running back room with rising junior Trenton Cross, who has had an impressive spring camp. 

Knowles said Logan Iverson is set to step into the massive shoes left by quarterback Braden Buckhout. The Bulldogs' coach credits Iverson for three great days leading the offense, while learning from his mistakes. 

"Trying to step into Buckhout's shoes is a big, big task, and I thought he had an incredible three days of just managing the offense," Knowles said. "Really excited about his control of the offensive side of the ball, because that's what we need out of QB one." 

As a defensive-minded coach, Knowles said he thought the defensive line, especially the pass rush, was a standout in all three days. Tucker Overland, Mason McLain, Sean Ketchum and Justice Manske all stepped up to generate pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. 

Trey Blumenberg and Devin McEnaney, both of whom are stepping up into starting roles, were stars in the secondary, according to Knowles.  

"I thought our corners played exceptional," Knowles said. "Both really did a good job. We asked a lot of them, and they stepped up." 

Knowles also gave a shoutout to the support staff of team moms and team manager Jarrett Robson, who provided food and travel for both teams during the scrimmages. He said their hard work makes these scrimmages a fantastic atmosphere and keeps the Montana teams coming back. 

"Those teams come over from Montana, and they come back every year; they just love the whole deal," Knowles said. "We couldn't do it without all the auxiliary services that go into this, and just, just a really, really good week of football." 

With the 10-day practice window closed, Knowles said the team is focusing on 7v7 practices, which let them hone in on their passing offense and defense. Then it's a short two-month sprint to the start of the season against Twin Falls on August 21. 

    A Sandpoint High quarterback looks to throw during a scrimmage against Sentinel High at War Memorial Field last week.