In heartbreaking fashion, the Salmon Arm Junior Bantam Chargers were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday at SASCU Sports Field.
With less than 20 seconds remaining on the clock, the Kelowna Lions scored a 50-yard passing play to win the semi-final match up 14-9.
The game was hotly contested from the kick off and was largely a defensive battle, much of the game being played between the 30-yard lines.
The Chargers’ lone offensive touchdown came in the third quarter on a run by the team’s leading scorer during the season, Dylan Eugster.
The offensive player of the game award went to Chase Henning for his inspirational leadership on and off the field.
The top lineman award went to Colby Heckrodt for his tireless fighting on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, the Chargers played a very stout game, allowing only a handful of first downs against a tough Lions’ offence.
The Chargers only gave up two big plays in the game.
Unfortunately, those plays would prove to be the deciding factor in the game.
The defensive player of the game award went to Sam Hall for his outstanding play from the corner position. Hall racked up multiple tackles and one long interception return.
Bantams
In the Vancouver Minor Football League, the Salmon Arm Bantam Chargers were back on the road this weekend after their bye week.
The Chargers steamrolled the host Vancouver Trojans 55-0 on Sunday.
The offence was led by quarterback Jayden Mourato, who rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns along the ground.
Mourato also flexed his throwing arm, as he completed 10 for 14, throwing for over 140 yards and scoring three touchdowns through the air.
Tyler Chartier, Bladen Stephens, Travis Beer and Wyatt Blackburn also added majors to the Chargers’ offensive assault.
For the second consecutive game, the defence shut out their opponents.
Once again the stingy defence was led by their middle linebacker, Jacob Zyri.
Also helping on the defensive side of the ball was Gabe Wallace, Austin Crocker and Bladen Stephens, who made several timely tackles. The Bantam Chargers finish their regular season with an away game next Sunday against the Richmond Raiders.
The Chargers currently boast the league’s best offence and defence and sit atop the standings with an 8-1 record.
