The Kalamalka Lakers built a first-half lead and hung on for a 14-8 win over the host Valleyview Vikings of Kamloops Friday night in Okanagan AA varsity football action.
“It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win,” said Kal head coach Brad Yamaoka.
Kal jumped out to a 14-0 lead before halftime. Brendan Squair connected with Evan Patommel on 15- and five-yard touchdown strikes.
Missing their starting tailback and defensive end, Yamaoka credited the rest of the team for getting the job done.
Robby Filice had another strong game, carrying the ball 17 times for 106 yards. He added 10 tackles on defence. Chris Leverman contributed 13 tackles, a sack and forced fumble. Karson Patommel added eight tackles and another forced fumble.
Valleyview pushed the ball deep into Kal territory late in the game and threatened to push the ball over the goaline, but ran out of time.
“It was another hard fought game that either side could have won,” said Yamaoka. “In the long run, we made less mistakes than they did.”
Meanwhile, in junior varsity action Wednesday, the Vernon Panthers cruised to a 40-12 win over the Okanagan Mission Huskies.
Levi Nicholas scored on a five-yard run on the opening drive, and quarterback John Garvie followed that with a 10-yard scamper to put the Cats up 12-0 in the first quarter.
Mission cut the lead to six, but Nicholas replied with a one-yard plunge to restore it.
“Our offensive line set the tone early by opening up some interior holes,” said Panthers’ head coach Sean Smith. “Once we established the inside run game, it forced them to adjust, opening up our passing and outside run game.”
The Huskies put together a 10-play, 70-yard drive to open the second half. Vernon appeared to have scored on a fourth-and-inches QB sneak, only to have the call overturned by the head official.
“I think that call fired up our team as we responded with 22 points in the final 14 minutes,” said Smith.
After a 14-yard TD run by Garvie, receiver Kyle Ryarder hauled in a 30-yard bomb at the goal line.
To end the game, Nicholas took a punt return 40 yards before flipping it to Garvie who took it the final five.
“Kyle Ryarder (three receptions for 63yards) had a great game for us today and added another element to our offence. Justin Haverkamp (six tackles) was our defensive MVP and was all over the field making plays.
“It was great to see those boys have breakthrough games as they have been working their tails off in practice.”
The Panthers host the Valleyview Vikings of Kamloops Wednesday, 3 p.m. at Grahame Park.
