The Mission Roadrunners varsity football team captured its second consecutive Eastern Conference Championship Saturday afternoon, battling through soggy weather, and a drenched field.
Head coach Kevin Watrin said the offensive combination of Kevin Wiens and Evan Horton helped propel the local team to 30-7 win on the home field against the Robert Bateman Timberwolves.
“A dominating defensive effort limiting a talented Timberwolves team to one late score when our safety fell leaving the Bateman receiver alone to run the remaining distance untouched,” said Watrin. “Bateman has several talented football players that should cause playoff teams some headaches. They may be a bracket buster before the playoffs are finished.”
Overall, Wiens passed for 155 yards, including a 10-yard toss to Wayde Carpenter. He also scrambled for two touchdowns on a 35- and 12-yard rush. Horton also played quarterback in the game, making 19 attempts for 104 yards, plus one touchdown and a 16-yard rush.
On the defensive side, Carpenter, Nathan Sterne and Ryan Ivey each recovered a fumble, while Horton make five tackles, Arjun Bhogal and Sterne had four, and Cole Webster made a tackle and the only sack of the game. Tyler McStravick contributed to the win with three tackles, two knockdowns and an interception of 15 yards.
The Roadrunners’ first-round playoff game is Nov. 10 at 12:30 p.m. at BC Place Stadium against Nechako Valley Secondary School. This team finished first in its league play, but lost in the league championship game 8-0 to College Heights. The NVSS quarterback, Connor Neilsen, has the most passing yards in the province.
Tickets to Saturday’s game are available for $10 at Mission Secondary School’s front office.
All-stars named
Ryan Pye
Arjun Bhogal
Nathan Sterne
Tyler McStravick
Evan Horton
Kevin Wiens was named the offensive most valuable player, while Hyatt Smith earned defensive MVP honours.
