Game Preview: Sandpoint Bulldogs vs. Post Falls Trojans

Sandpoint Sports Central
Sep 4
3 min read

Updated: Sep 8

Date: Friday, September 5, 2025

Location: War Memorial Field, Sandpoint, ID

Kickoff: 7:00 PM

Back Home at Last

After traveling a grueling 2,326 miles over the first two weeks of the season — and coming home with two big wins — the Sandpoint Bulldogs (2–0) finally return to War Memorial Field for their 2025 home opener against the Post Falls Trojans (1–1).

The Bulldogs survived an overtime thriller against Twin Falls and then put up 42 points on Teton in Driggs, proving their resilience and offensive firepower in hostile environments. Now, with the home crowd behind them, they’ll aim to keep their momentum rolling against a Post Falls team known for its physical play and high-tempo offense.

Offensive Leaders Making State Noise

Sandpoint’s offensive trio is already among the top-ranked players in Idaho after just two weeks of action:

QB Braden Buckhout (#7) – Ranked among the state’s top passers with 513 yards, completing 70.8% of his throws and tossing 5 TDs without an interception. His pocket composure and ability to extend plays with his legs (87 rushing yards, 1 TD) have been pivotal.
WR Maverick Gomez (#5) – One of the breakout stars statewide, Gomez has already racked up 268 receiving yards on just 10 catches (26.8 avg) and 3 touchdowns, including a 222-yard, 3-TD explosion last week against Teton. He’s ranked near the top of Idaho receivers.
RB Jensen Sheetz (#28) – A consistent ground force with 156 yards and 4 rushing TDs through two games. He has a nose for the endzone and showed versatility catching a two-point conversion against Teton.

Together, this trio gives Sandpoint one of the most balanced and dangerous offenses in the state — already averaging 256.5 passing yards and 179.5 rushing yards per game.

Keys to the Matchup

Establishing Tempo Early
Sandpoint has leaned on fast starts through the air — especially Buckhout-to-Gomez — to put pressure on opponents. Look for the Bulldogs to test Post Falls’ secondary immediately.
Defensive Pressure
The Bulldog defense, led by Roman Turnbull (23 tackles, 1 sack) and Lucas Garrison (10 tackles, 3 TFLs), will be tasked with slowing down a Trojan attack that likes to spread the field. Yarbrough’s interception against Teton is proof that this group can make momentum-shifting plays.
Home Field Energy
After traveling 2,326 miles in just two weeks, returning home will be a huge boost. Expect the War Memorial crowd to be loud and energized — something Sandpoint will look to feed off of in key moments.
Protecting the Football
Through two games, Buckhout has avoided interceptions and the Bulldogs have yet to lose a fumble. Protecting possession will be crucial against a Post Falls defense that thrives on takeaways.

By the Numbers (Through 2 Games)

Total Offense: Sandpoint 872 yards (513 pass, 359 rush)
Yards per Game: 436.0
3rd Down Conversions: 63% (19-of-30)
Rushing TDs: 5 (Sheetz 4, Buckhout 1)
Passing TDs: 5 (Buckhout to Gomez 3, Yarbrough 1, Flanigan 1)

What to Expect

This matchup has all the makings of a statement game for Sandpoint. Post Falls will bring size and strength up front, but the Bulldogs’ ability to spread the ball to playmakers like Gomez, Yarbrough, Sheetz, and Flanigan makes them a tough cover for any defense.

Look for Sandpoint to mix tempo — striking deep through the air early and grinding down the Trojans with Sheetz and Palmer in the second half. Defensively, continued discipline in the secondary will be critical against Post Falls’ athletes.

Prediction

Sandpoint rides the energy of their first home game and their balanced offense to stay undefeated. If Buckhout continues his efficient play and the defense forces even one or two mistakes, the Bulldogs should be in great position to pull away in the second half.

📅 Friday, September 5, 2025

📍 War Memorial Field – Sandpoint, ID

⏰ 7:00 PM Kickoff

Final Thought: Bulldog Nation, it’s time to pack War Memorial and make it loud — the Dawgs are back home!