The Nanaimo Redmen go into the regular season with the momentum they wanted, after a surprisingly intense pre-season game on the weekend.
The city’s Vancouver Mainland Football League midget team topped the Victoria Spartans 10-7 on Sunday at May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park.
The Redmen scored the winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter after Matt Vandervelde’s interception led to a rushing major from Payton Paladini.
“This was actually a game I think in hindsight, now, was important to win,” said Sean Roden, the team’s coach. “Coming back at the end and scoring to win the game really gave us something positive.”
The coach said his team’s defence “brought it” and said the offence showed improvement, running the ball well and cutting down on procedure penalties.
GAME ON … The Redmen kick off their season on the road Monday (Sept. 3) in Victoria.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com