Rams run roughshod over Rebels in rout

Langley annihilates over-matched Westshore opponent 75-16

Head coach Jeff Alamolhoda knows the feeling when it seems like every time the other team touches the ball, they score.

“I have been on the other end when it seems like every time they handed the ball of to a running back, they scored,” said the head coach of the Langley Rams.

“This absolutely feels better.”

He was referring to his team’s absolute demolition of the host Westshore Rebels, who were the unfortunate recipient of a 75-16 beat-down at the hands of the Rams on Saturday afternoon at Victoria’s Westhills Stadium.

Rams quarterback Dylan Tucker carved up the Westshore defence, completing all 10 passes he attempted — half of which went for touchdowns — and 352 yards in the first half. He also scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper.

The win improved Langley to 3-0 in the B.C. Junior Football League.

Malcolm Williams was the main recipient with five catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns while Daniel English had two touchdowns on three catches for 132 yards.

Tucker, making just his third start at the junior level, impressed his coach, who couldn’t recall ever watching a quarterback complete all of his pass attempts and for that many yards.

“It was pretty special even against a young team, a team that maybe wasn’t quite as ready for as tough a fight as they were going to get,” Alamolhoda said.

The rest of the offence came via the return game with John Beckerleg finding the end zone three times (a 105-yard kickoff return and punt returns of 90 and 50 yards) and Nathan Lund taking a kickoff back 105 yards.

Lund’s score was proceeded by the Rebels scoring a touchdown — quarterback Hunter Lake connected with Nick Spindor from 30 yards out — in the first quarter, which briefly gave them a 7-6 lead.

Steve Thomas made nine of 10 convert attempts and also had a field goal and an 85-yard kickoff single.

But from that point on, it was a one-sided Rams victory.

The Rebels added a late touchdown, Lake to Josh Beauchamp from five yards.

Shaiheem Charles-Brown sacked the quarterback twice while Clovis Lumeka led the team with four tackles.

Beckerleg had the lone turnover, an interception.

The return touchdowns pleased the coach who said the team talked about improving that aspect of their game.

“We talked about special teams and how they could be better,” Alamolhoda said.

“And practice paid off in this case as we were able to make essential blocks.”

The coach said the film afterward showed all 11 players on the field blocking for the return game, and more importantly, continuing to finish their blocks while the play developed.

Next up for Langley is another road game on Saturday in Nanaimo against the VI Raiders (1-3).

The team’s next home game is Aug. 31 at McLeod Athletic Park when they welcome the 3-0 Kamloops Broncos to town.

Langley Times