Morning Star Staff
Defensively, the Vernon Junior Panthers matched the physical Valleyview Vikings of Kamloops blow for blow.
Offensively, the Vikings had trouble with the Cats’ running game.
The Panthers ran their way to a 24-6 win over Valleyview in exhibition Junior Varsity football action Wednesday at VSS.
After a back-and-forth scoreless first quarter, the much tougher Junior Panthers started to wear down the Vikes.
Sam Knox took an early second quarter hand-off and ran it 54 yards for the first score of the game. Quarterback Dylan Huber and tight end Dakota Becker hooked up for the two-point convert to make it 8-0 at half.
After Knox and fellow running back Charles Lemay went out with injuries early in the second half, Brad Hladik took over, running for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
Both TDs were successfully converted on pass plays from Huber to Jaden Steinke and again to Becker.
“Our defence dominated the Kamloops squad allowing only 50 yards of total offence on the day,” said Panthers head coach Ed Huber. “Defensive coordinator Tim Thorpe was extremely pleased with the physical play of his group.”
Leading the way for VSS on defence was middle linebacker Garrett Black Thomas with 12 tackles. Defensive end Tyler Deboer added seven tackles and one QB sack while fellow end Rhys Larsen made eight tackles.
The Panthers start regular season play Tuesday, Oct. 6, against their crosstown rivals, Seaton Sonics.
