The Barsby Bulldogs were a little bit better than the NDSS Islanders at slogging through the rain and mud.
Barsby beat Nanaimo District 10-6 on Wednesday afternoon in junior varsity league play at John Barsby Secondary School field.
The home team built a 10-0 lead, but Nanaimo District scored a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter and got the ball back two more times after that but couldn't score. The Isles had the ball past midfield in the dying seconds, but Barsby’s Zach Taylor intercepted a pass with no time left on the clock to clinch the win for his team.
“A fabulous football game, both teams played really well…” said Sukh Parmar, Barsby’s defensive coordinator. “We expected NDSS’ best effort and we got it today and obviously it went down to the last play of the game.”
The conditions were a factor in the game. Rob Stevenson, Barsby coach, said he thought offensive coordinator Chris McCormick called a great game – 54 rush plays, zero pass plays.
The Bulldogs gained 350 total yards, with Taylor carrying the ball 30 times for 270 yards and a touchdown.
“A lot of credit goes to the offensive line getting a good push all day,” said Stevenson. “Running backs were hitting the holes hard. It was tough to handle the football; they did the best they could.”
Barsby’s other points were supplied by kicker Hendrik Weinert, who made a convert and a field goal.
Taylor and Mason Scottt had six tackles each for the ’Dawgs and Jacub Gillman had five.
The Islanders’ touchdown was a rush by Finn Bradbrooke. He also led his team’s defence with five tackles and Andrew Mattes and Spencer Broz had fumble recoveries.
GAME ON … Next game for the junior Bulldogs is Wednesday (Nov. 2) against the Ballenas Whalers at 3 p.m. at John Barsby Secondary School field. Next action for the junior Isles is Nov. 3, when it visits the Spectrum Thunder.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com