Morning Star Staff
The Vernon Magnums needed a second-half scoring surge to topple the Okanagan Mission Lions 22-0 and claim the Southern Interior Football Conference title Sunday afternoon.
Following two scoreless quarters, tailback Matthew Reich (122 rushing yards, two TDs) opened the second half with a 55-yard touchdown romp.
Slotback Liam Glennon added to the lead in the fourth quarter by taking a reverse 22 yards to the end zone. Glennon booted both conversions to put the Magnums up 16-0. Reich rounded out the scoring taking a pitch 20 yards to paydirt.
“We got off to a shaky start but gained momentum as the game wore on,” said Magnum head coach Sean Smith. “Our defence had a goal-line stand near the end of the second quarter that became a huge turning point for the team.”
Isaiah Ondrik (12 tackles) led all Magnum defenders while Ethan Mitchell contributed eight. Tackle Logan Quibell rung up four tackles and added a fumble recovery.
Added Smith: “I was very proud of the effort of all of the boys today. It was a great team win with 11 players registering tackles on the defensive side.”
The Magnums (10-0) travel to Mission (Fraser Valley) to play in the provincial semifinal Saturday (game time and opponent TBA).
