SASKATCHEWAN HEADS TO FINAL WITH CONVINCING WIN OVER B.C.

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Special teams was key to Team Saskatchewan’s convincing 33-2 win over B.C. in the first of two Under-18 Football Canada Cup semi-finals games.

Saskatchewan opened the scoring with a fumble recovery by Ben Hodson on a B.C. punt return deep in their end. Eighteen consecutive Saskatchewan points followed, pushing the lead to 24-0 after one half of play.

Sean Stenger’s 21 yard field goal late in the second quarter was followed by Saskatchewan’s Addison Richards fumble recovery on a quick kick deep in B.C. territory for their second major of the half.

B.C.’s third turnover of the half led to a 48 yard drive that was ended with a Drew Burko pass to Bradley Grywul for a 4 yard touchdown. A 72 yard punt by Sean Stenger, resulting in a rouge, ended the first half.

B.C. finally broke the goose egg on the scoreboard at the start of the second half on a defensive effort as Saskatchewan gave up a team safety.

A Stenger rouge late in the third quarter and a touchback early in the final frame made way for the last touchdown of the day when Saskatchewan’s Geoff Hughes intercepted a Carson Williams pass to the B.C. 10 yard line. Following a B.C. pass interference penalty, Saskatchewan’s Frankie Gray plunged in for the one yard touchdown to give prairie boys a 33-2 lead and the eventual win.

Saskatchewan scrapped together a balanced attack of 130 yards on the ground and 133 yards in the air for a net offensive gain of 250 yards compared to a B.C. combined offensive total of 98 yards.

Saskatchewan’s quarterback Drew Burko finished the game 13 of 20 with one touchdown pass and 6 rushes for 37 yards despite the constant down pour during the entire match.

B.C. running back Steven Spagnuolo, who had 12 carries for 83 yards in game one against Ontario East, was held to 52 yards on ten carries.

Defensive statistics were led by B.C.’s Casey Chin with 8 solo tackles and one forced fumble in the losing effort while Saskatchewan’s Brett Wade posted four solo tackles and one sack.

Saskatchewan’s head coach credited the work by his defensive and offensive coordinators along with the preparation for a talented B.C. squad. “We knew that Team B.C. was going to be a tough team and that they are a great second half team. We were well aware of their strengths as a team and knew coming into the tournament there were some things we could take advantage of by putting some wrinkles in their playbook and obviously they worked today”.

Saskatchewan will now face the winner of today’s 7:00 pm game that highlights the host Team Nova Scotia against the undefeated Team Quebec.  B.C. will face tonight’s loser for the bronze medal game scheduled for Saturday, July 17 at 4:00 pm. The Championship game is scheduled for 7:00 pm this Saturday evening.

Players of the Game:

Offensive

B.C. – Stephen Spagnuolo

Saskatchewan – Drew Burko

Defensive

B.C. – Buddy Hutchison

Saskatchewan – Dustin Payne

This post is also available in: French