The Kelowna Mission Lions capped off a season to remember by claiming the B.C. atom 9-man football championship.
The Lions dominated the 2012 season finale on Saturday in Kamloops with a 46-0 victory over the Vanderhoof Vikings.
“A well balanced attack on offense and an aggressive defense was the story of the game for the Lions,” said Lions’ coach Kendall Gross.
On the opening drive of the game the Lions’ Noah Gross intercepted a pass on Vanderhoof’s first play from scrimmage and ran it back 15 yards for a touchdown. Gross, who played strong on both sides of the ball all day also scored team’s second major ˆon a 25-yard run and forced a fumble on a kick off before the half. Another key veteran for the Lions was Nate Beauchemin who was a perfect 6-for-6 on point after attempts and also rushed for three touchdowns on the day.
Defensive ends Aidan Vint and Wilson Holland both were outstanding on the line shutting down the Vikings running game.
Chad Laughren, the Lions Quarterback was named game MVP for directing his team to over 250 yards on total offense. Laughren ran a controlled offense that saw seven different players carry the ball. He also threw for one touch down to Wilson Holland who was named Most Sportsmanlike Player of the game for his work on both sides of the ball. The offensive line of Keegan Bray, Cory Couch, Dylan McBratney, Leon Johns and Morgan Scott were outstanding as well, protecting the quarterback and opening up lanes for the running backs all game. Without their efforts the Lions success would have been limited.
“This is a great way to end the season for this special group of young players,” added coach Gross. “As a coach I could not be any prouder of how hard the Lions have practiced and played all year. Every player on this team contributed to our success.”
The Kelowna Mission atom Lions are: Cory Couch, Wilson Holland, Noah Gross, Leon Johns, Xander Kennedy, Chad Laughren, Morgan Scott, Damon Alfonso, Nate Beauchemin, Alex Mace, Dylan McBratney, Aidan Vint, Kian Bos, Ryan Dekleva, Ethan Irvine, Neven MacQuarrie, Keegan Bray, Riley Campbell and Blake Chapman. Coaches are Kendall Gross, Paul Beauchemin, Mike Irvine, Dean Kennedy and Tony Bray.
