TURNOVERS HIGHLIGHT SSK WIN OVER MANITOBA IN GAME ONE OF FCC

WOLFVILLE, NS – In the opening game of the Under-18 Football Canada Cup National championship tournament, four turnovers by Manitoba resulted in 21 of 26 points as the battle of the western prairies resulted in a 26-15 victory by Saskatchewan.

Offensive player of the game, Sean Stenger, accounted for 12 of Saskatchewan’s 26 points including three field goals from the 38, 32 and 17 yard lines; two 1-pt converts and 1 rouge.

On a Manitoba failed third down conversion deep in their own end, Saskatchewan’s Addison Richards scored the first major of the tournament on a nine yard reception from Drew Burko at 4:44 of the second quarter, giving Saskatchewan an 11-0 lead that was never overturned.

Drew Burko added a one yard touchdown dive at the 10 minute mark of the third quarter to give Saskatchewan a commanding 23-7 lead heading to the final frame.

Rhys Hansen and Zachary Regert scored Manitoba’s two majors, late in the first half and final quarter respectively. Teammate Kurt Goodrich led the game with 107 yards receiving on five receptions.

Saskatchewan pivot Drew Burko was 9 for 25 for 91 yards, while Theo Deezar posted 16 completions on 30 attempts for a game high 239 yards passing for the losing cause.

Saskatchewan head coach Mike Humenny was happy with the start to the tournament. “We just indicated to our kids that we were extremely happy with the effort in game one and there is definitely room for improvement. There were a couple missed opportunities, but that is natural for game one and we are bound to get better going into Wednesday’s game”.

Saskatchewan will face the winner of tonight’s 7:30pm (AT) matchup between Team BC and Team Ontario East on Wednesday, July 14 at 4:00 pm.

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