The Barsby Bulldogs kept pounding away, and eventually overpowered the Nanaimo District Islanders in the junior varsity Kocher Classic.
The teams met Thursday at Nanaimo District Secondary School with the visitors winning 32-14.
The 'Dawgs held a 16-14 lead at halftime, and their relentless rushing attack wore down the home team.
"In the first half we had our ups and downs with a lot of big penalties," said North Rainey, Bulldogs quarterback. "We bounced, though, and we came out and played our hearts out."
Matt Heinrichs, coach of the junior varsity 'Dawgs, said his team overcame adversity in the game and executed better when the game was on the line.
"I thought the team played great…" he said. "Today was a good day where they came together as a family."
Cole McGarvey, Islanders quarterback, said he and his teammates kept their heads up, kept playing hard and fought back with Barsby. The Isles will find positives in defeat.
"It's a big energy booster and hopefully we'll see them in the playoffs," McGarvey said.
Cole Smith, Sheldon Robertson, Johnson Nguyen and Rainey scored touchdowns for the Bulldogs and Malik Besseghieur had both NDSS touchdowns.
GRID BITS … The AA varsity Kocher Classic between the Barsby Bulldogs and Nanaimo District Islanders is Friday (Oct. 5) at 1:45 p.m. at NDSS field. For a preview of that game, please click here.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com