he EMCS Wolverines junior varsity football team faced a tough challenge Sept. 26 when they hosted the Nanaimo District Islanders. Having only 13 players dressed made the challenge that much stiffer for the home team.
The score wasn’t close, but the Wolverines played well, shaking off two early special teams mistakes to play the Islanders pretty evenly in the second and third quarters. The offense moved the ball, putting together multiple drives deep into Islander territory, and the defense stepped up, getting a couple of 3 and outs and forcing a few punts.
Three first year players stood out for their play on both sides of the ball. Gavin Cowper-Dawdy, playing fullback and middle linebacker, broke a few long runs and was all over the field making tackles. Matt Hancock almost had his first interception at safety and had a beautiful run where he cut back against the defense and did a spin-o-rama off a tackler for a gain of 12.
The run of the game though belonged to Jamie Blakeborough when he spun off a tackler, put a hand on the ground to keep from falling, ran back across the field, then back across again, all for a gain of about four yards. Blakeborough also had his first career sack and converted a third and long off a nice pass from QB Brady Greenwood.
The Wolverines biggest hits came from two grade eights, Andy Abell and Eddie George. George had a strong game, playing multiple positions on offense and defense.
The defensive line got consistent pressure on the Islanders quarterback. Team captain Will Kacki, the lone Grade 10 dressed for EMCS, led the pass rush. Jacob Foster did a great job on the offensive line, using his quick feet and big frame to help open some big running lanes.
By Nathan Lowther
