ALL-LEAGUE MVP: Pax Longanecker 

The former Inland Empire League Newcomer of the Year was nothing short of dominant in 2026. Sandpoint's junior midfielder led the Bulldogs with 24 goals and 12 assists en route to earning his third all-league selection in as many years. 

Coach's comments: "Pax has been absolutely immense for us this season. The way he has been able to tally the number of goals and assists he has while not making it all about him is truly impressive. He is a leader on this team who supports and is supported by everyone." — Dan Anderson. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Landon Brinkmeier  

Sandpoint's senior goalkeeper receives honors for the second year in a row for being a consistent force between the posts for the Bulldogs. Brinkmeier totaled 43 saves and 10 shutouts this season and helped them earn a trip to the State Championship game with a stellar performance against Idaho Falls. 

Coach's comments: " Landon is not only the best keeper in our league, but he is the best 5A keeper in the state. Having him on our team creates confidence and a boost to the team that is hard to measure. To top it off, he always wants what is best for the team and leads by example on and off the field. He will be missed greatly once he graduates." — Dan Anderson. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Gus Penrose 

A key part of Sandpoint's backline, the junior defender makes the All-IEL list for the third straight year in a row. While Penrose is a giant contributor to a defense that only allowed 17 goals in 20 games, he also notched a goal and four assists this season. 

Coach's comments: "Gus is one of those players that wants to be on the field so badly that it is hard to rest or protect him when he is battling injuries. He is a phenomenal player to have in your backline that offers more attacking threat than I have ever seen from a high school defender. The sky's the limit for his soccer career." — Dan Anderson. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Colton Dickinson 

The junior midfielder's defense has earned the respect of those across the IEL. Dickinson added three goals and two assists to an impressive defensive season in the midfield. 

Coach's comments: "Colton is one of the players that the coaching staff felt would have a breakout season this year, and he has exceeded our expectations. He worked his butt off in the offseason and has stepped into the very important defensive midfield position with a point to prove. Colton has been instrumental in our success this season." — Dan Anderson. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Ethan Polhemus 

Sandpoint's junior center back was another core piece of one of the best defensive units in the state. Polhemus helped a defense that allowed less than one goal per game and added an assist as a cherry on top. 

Coach's comments: "Ethan became a starting center back for us this year and never looked back. He has anchored our backline and has played more minutes this season for us than any other player. To be a great defender, you must inherently have a good amount of tenacity and drive, and Ethan has both in droves." — Dan Anderson. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Blake Bogadi 

Another Sandpoint junior defender earns honors for his impressive performance throughout the season. Bogadi also scored three goals and contributed four assists to the Bulldogs' powerhouse offense. 

Coach's comments: "Bogadi was the best 1v1 defender in our league this year. He is a nightmare for opposition attackers to go up against, and goes about his business with a quiet determination. Our coaching staff and his teammates have become accustomed to being impressed by his consistently high level of play in every single game." — Dan Anderson. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Dixon Reed 

The junior midfielder was part of Sandpoint's three-pronged offensive attack throughout the season. Reed finished the season with an even eight goals and eight assists, including a pair of assists and a goal in the state semi-final. 

Coach's comments: "Dixon is a player who can unlock games when you need a spark from somewhere. His ability to read the game and then make things happen has been an x-factor for us this season. Watching him work the ball up the field is a sight to behold. Dixon truly loves this sport, and it's a joy to watch him play." — Dan Anderson. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Wesley Drube 

Sandpoint's sophomore forward earns honors for the first time after backing up Longanecker as the team's second offensive threat. Drube totaled 12 goals and seven assists in 2026 to help a Bulldogs' offense that scored 72 goals this season. 

Coach's comments: "Wesley is a dangerous player who has led our forward line exceptionally well this season. However, it's his work defensively that has impressed the coaching staff. Wesley has bought into leading our high press defense and has tirelessly done so game after game. His growth mindset coupled with his coachability makes for a very exciting path forward for him.” — Dan Anderson. 

Coach of the Year: Dan Anderson 

The 2010 Sandpoint graduate is no stranger to this award, having earned it every season he has been at the helm of the Bulldogs. Anderson's third IEL COTY award comes following a 16-2-2 season where Sandpoint went undefeated in league play and finished second in the 5A State Tournament. 

5A Inland Empire League 

MVP — Pax Longanecker, jr., Sandpoint. 

Newcomer of the Year — Donald Betzold, fr., Lewiston; Cayden Kuska, fr., Moscow. 

Coach of the Year — Dan Anderson, Sandpoint. 

All-league 

Luke Fritts, sr., Lakeland; Kaius Lukey, sr., Lakeland; Tanner Frasier, jr., Lewiston; Cedar Betzold, sr., Lewiston; Owen Lassen, jr., Moscow; Beckett Sept, so., Moscow; Landon Brinkmeier, sr., Sandpoint; Colton Dickinson, jr., Sandpoint; Ethan Polhemus, jr., Sandpoint; Blake Bogadi, jr., Sandpoint; Dixon Reed, jr., Sandpoint; Gus Penrose, jr., Sandpoint; Wesley Drube, so., Sandpoint. 

    Landon Brinkmeier makes a save against Idaho Falls at War Memorial Field in the Bulldogs' state play-in game.