The Langley Stampeders are the B.C. midget football champions.
In the 12-man midget provincial final, the host Stamps beat the Victoria Spartans, and the elements, to capture the coveted BC Community Football Association crown for the first time ever early Sunday evening.
The teams had to contend with gale-force winds at McLeod Stadium.
Just how windy was it?
It was so blustery, Stampeders and Spartans kickers were booting the ball well over 70 yards in the air.
The first quarter saw each team testing the other.
The Spartans opened the scoring-with a missed field goal for a single point after a seven-play march into Langley territory.
The quarter ended with Victoria leading 1-0.
In the second stanza, the Stamps’ offensive line came alive, punching big holes in the Spartans’ defence.
Langley’s first touchdown of the quarter came after the Stamps’ defence forced a turnover on downs.
The Stampeders’ Devin Dacosta scooted into the Victoria end zone for the first major of the contest.
With the stiff wind at their backs, the Stamps’ kickoff was booted right through the end zone for another point.
The defence again was able to stop Victoria by forcing another turnover on downs.
Taking over the ball on their own 54-yard line, the Stampeders generated an eight play march culminating with Dacosta adding his second touchdown of the night.
Langley again sent the kickoff through the end zone, ending the first half with a 16-1 lead.
Then the power went out.
After the delay, both teams put together several impressive marches, only to be denied by the opposing defense in the red zone.
The only scoring in the quarter was a field goal from the foot of Nolan McMurchy, ending the third frame at 19-1 in favour of Langley.
Neither team was able to score in the fourth quarter, giving the Stampeders the win and the provincial championship.
The Stamps had a great year.
Their offense racked up 344 points in 10 regular season games, while their defence only surrendered two touchdowns.
After losing the second game of the season, the Stamps embarked on a 10-game win streak to grab the B.C. title.
For several Stamps, this was their final game as a Langley Minor Football Association athlete.
For more about the LMFA and to register for 2016, call 604-533-2909 or email at info@langleyfootball.ca
