The Campbell River Eagles youth football teams travelled to Courtenay last Saturday to take on the Comox Valley Raiders to open another season of action football.
The Peewee Eagles found themselves in a David vs Goliath battle as they were forced to play with only nine players versus a Courtenay squad fielding 23.
It was Ironman football at its best.
Unfortunately, the Eagles came up short with a final score of 24-6.
“I am very proud of the way the team played,” says head coach Kevin Meier. “We had several players who had never set foot on the football field.”
The Eagles had outstanding performances by quarterback Cole Dumont, running back Riley Cook and full back Josh Weld. All three also had stellar performances on defence. Cook was awarded the first coaches’ MVP game ball of the season.
The Eagles Junior Bantams were also forced to play some Ironman football, fielding only 12 players for some exciting 11-man football.
The Eagles were led by starting quarterback Casey Klettke who found the end zone three times, en route to a big 26-0 victory.
“I am really proud of the way the team played,” says Meier. “They were facing some tough odds against a Raiders team fielding twenty-four players.
“They played very solid defence, especially on a goal line stand late in the third quarter that had the Raiders with a first and goal situation from the five yard line.
“The offence ran their plays well and even when the play broke down, Casey (Klettke) was able to keep his composure and pick up positive yards.”
Other outstanding performances came from starting running back/safety Tearlach “T-Man” Thompson, full back/defensive linemen Tomas “Tank” Foge (with his first two sacks of the season), wide receiver/ corner back Chris Rendall, rookie tight end/corner back Hunter Yon and centre and middle linebacker Ethan Wold (who had two interceptions on the day).
Klettke received the MVP game ball.
Both teams are looking for players - peewee players between the ages of 8 and 11 and junior bantam, 12 to 13-year-olds.
Interested players can register any practice night Monday, Tuesday or Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the portables beside the field at Timberline Secondary School. The Eagles program is also always looking for experienced coaches.