Pitt Meadows falls to Mission in first conference test

Marauders AA varsity team loses 47-14 on the road to reigning B.C. champs

Pitt Meadows Marauders running back Kyle Heiling sheds tackles en route to a touchdown during Saturday’s game against the Mission Roadrunners. Pitt Meadows lost 47-14 in its first conference game of the season.

Pitt Meadows Marauders running back Kyle Heiling sheds tackles en route to a touchdown during Saturday’s game against the Mission Roadrunners. Pitt Meadows lost 47-14 in its first conference game of the season.

The Pitt Meadows Marauders varsity football team struggled with injuries Saturday as they fell 47-14 to the 2011 AA provincial champion Mission Roadrunners on the road.

The Marauders got deep into Mission territory early, but injuries to quarterback and strong safety Joe Schuster, wide receiver Anthony Gagnon, and defensive linemen Tanner Hartley and Colton Davies soon took their toll.

“We were in the game for the first quarter, but thats what happens when you have that many kids playing injured,” said head coach Matt Todd. “Thankfully none of them were too serious, so we should have a full lineup this week.”

Schuster injured his leg after a hard tackle early in the game. While Schuster stayed in at pivot, he sat out defensive plays at strong safety.

“He played through it, but all he could do was stay in the pocket, and hand off the ball” said Todd.

While Schuster struggled to stay mobile, the Marauders’ running backs had no such problems. Kyle Heiling led the Pitt offense with 100 yards of rushing and a touchdown, while Brandon Stewart ran for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Stewart also had seven tackles of defence, while linebacker Ben Zabierek had two fumble recoveries and three tackles.

Maple Ridge News