The junior varsity Barsby Bulldogs, perfect so far in the regular season, were too much for the Nanaimo District Islanders.
John Barsby Secondary School’s juniors got the best of the first all-local football matchup of the season, winning 35-0 on Thursday at Nanaimo District Secondary School field.
The Islanders were a game opponent and had good chances to try to get on the scoreboard, but were denied by the ’Dawgs.
“We don’t falter on our basic defensive principles and we’re just going to be stubborn as heck defending our goal line,” said Rob Stevenson, Barsby coach.
The team has been promised pizza for every shutout, and so far in the regular season they’re two-for-two achieving that goal, as they shut out the Spectrum Thunder 40-0 in the season opener last week.
Kole Postema, who scored three touchdowns for the Bulldogs, said the win over the Islanders helps to set the tone early in the season.
“We can get better…” he said. “It shows what we’re up against … and we know that we’ve beat a strong team.”
Stevenson said games against the Islanders are always meaningful.
“The kids on both teams know each other, they’ve played against each other in elementary school and in minor football and community football at the younger ages,” he said. ‘It’s a great neighbourhood rivalry game. It’s always hard-contested.”
Postema had two rushing TDs and also caught a touchdown pass from QB Cameron Wright. Jacub Gillman scored two rushing touchdowns and Hendrik Weinert was five-for-five kicking converts. Josh Parkin had an interception and a team-high six tackles.
GAME ON … The junior Bulldogs visit the Ballenas Whalers on Wednesday (Oct. 12), while the junior Islanders host the Thunder on Thursday at 3:15 p.m. at NDSS field.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com