The Nanaimo Redmen need to be at least half a yard better, and they know it will have to start on the practice field.
The city's Vancouver Mainland Football League midget team lost its home opener Sunday, 23-19 against the Langley Stampeders at May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park.
The Redmen were half a yard away from putting themselves in position for a win. Trailing 23-17 at the three-minute warning, they nearly scored a major on third down but their forward progress was stopped right on the goal line. They were able to force a safety after the turnover on downs to make it 23-19, but couldn't put together a last-minute drive.
Even though the game came down to the last few minutes, coach Sean Roden said it was missed assignments on defence in the first half that proved costly.
He thought the offence, though jittery at times, was able to execute some good pass plays.
"We just have not jelled yet and that's going to take some time but it's also going to take some quality practice and we're struggling with that right now," Roden said. "We have all the tools in place to be a much better team than we are."
Touchdowns for the Redmen came from Tyler Vollet, on a 15-yard reception, and Dylan Tucker on a quarterback sneak. Spencer Vos kicked a 35-yard field goal.
GAME ON … The Redmen (0-2) play the North Surrey Bears (1-1) on the road Sunday (Sept. 16).
sports@nanaimobulletin.com