Rain may have slowed the Vernon Magnums’ passing game in Sunday’s Southern Interior Football Conference junior bantam final.
But that’s all it did for the Magnums.
The Magnums scored 30 points in the first quarter and cruised to a 37-0 win over the Kelowna Mission Lions in Sunday’s championship during a steady downpour at Greater Vernon Athletics Park.
“We were a little nervous coming into the game, thinking that the bad weather conditions would level the playing field for them,” said Magnums head coach Doug Ondrik.
“However, our boys were solid all game and didn’t have one breakdown. This team has consistently shut out opposing offences with great team defence and solid tackling all season long.”
The driving rain throughout the game grounded the usual pass-happy aerial attack of the Magnums in favour of the running game.
Matthew Reich found the end zone twice carrying the ball nine times for 148 yeards.
Fellow tailback Liam Gombrich, who opened the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown run, contributed 56 yards on seven carries.
Quarterback Zack Smith called his own number six times for 39 yards and a major.
“Our offence is usually 50-50 pass/run, but with the conditions the way they were, and the way the defence was aligned, we took advantage of our run game,” said Magnums offensive coordinator Sean Smith.
“We are fortunate to have some great athletes that are able to play any style of football which is a huge advantage.”
The Magnum defence was tough all game, holding the Mission Lions to one first down.
Isaiah Ondrik led all tacklers with four and forced a fumble. Trent Charlton contributed three and Zack Smith had an interception.
The Magnums, who are 10-0, take on Prince George, the Northern Conference champions, in the B.C. nine-man junior bantam final Sunday at the Tournament Capital Centre in Kamloops.
