Atoms
Despite a short bench, the atom Bulldogs beat the Nanaimo Blitz 33-12 on Saturday, May 24.
"The team was missing a lot of key players but they played very well," said head coach Tyler Gavin. "We have come together as a team late in the season."
Christian Murray, Rowan McGarve, and Noah Atchison were standouts on offence, scoring touchdowns and running the ball. Gavin said "huge" blocks were made by many players but Xander Modeste, Gabriel Modeste, Jacob Whittet, Nixon Jeet and Aubrey Peters especially had great games.
"With most players playing both sides Caleb Heyne, Kohen Hack and Matthew Canute excelled on defence. Including multiple fumbles and a big late game recovery from Matty."
Next week the atom Bulldogs play another tough game against the Nanaimo Hawks.
Peewee
The peewee Bulldogs beat Nanaimo Beast Mode 22-6 on May 24 in Nanaimo.The victory keeps the team's unbeaten streak alive.
Offensive standouts included Rylen Heyer, Devon Randhawa, and Felix Bernardi. Stand outs on defence were Jace Kosak-Joseph and Dawson Sherman.
"After two weeks of byes having us step up and fight through the tough game was a great sign," said head coach Justin Young.
Junior Bantam
If a rare Wednesday night game in the middle of their two-week bye wasn't enough to keep the junior bantam Bulldogs on their toes, facing the first-place Westshore Warriors sure was.
"It was another thrilling game," said head coach Opie Williams. "We marched the ball down to the Warriors red zone and came away with a field goal.
Westshore was able to come back and take the lead after the Bulldogs defence made two big stops on the one-yard line but we were unable to make a third.
A third-down gamble paid off after Kasen Randhawa passed to Kalem Thomas for a 55-yard touchdown.
"The third quarter was a defensive battle," Williams said. "Westshore was pressing on our end but Junior Thomas made a huge sack putting them in a second and long situation.
The Warriors threw up a long pass which was a jump ball between Atwood Hale and their receiver and they came down with it to start the fourth quarter.
Westshore scored a touchdown but was called back on a penalty. The Bulldogs defence came up big and was able to make a stop on the five-yard line.
"We tried to get the ball out of our end but on a bad exchange, Eli Atchison fumbled the ball. He was able to recover but was tackled in the end zone for a safety."
With that, the Bulldogs maintained a one-point lead.
The Warriors were pressing again and were forced to kick a field goal but it was wide-right but they came away with the rouge to tie up the game.
Chaos as the final seconds ticked down resulted in no more points being scored and the team ending with an 11-11 tie.
The Bulldogs meet Oceanside this weekend.
"They came off a big win against Westshore on Saturday so the winner has a chance to move into second place," Williams said.
