The Game of the Week lived up to its billing on Saturday night as the Okanagan Sun squeaked out a 29-28 win over the Langley Rams in a first place showdown.
The Sun were actually outgained by the Rams 452-359 total offensive yards, who scored 28 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
Sun quarterback Theo Deezer finished 17 of 32 for 299 yards and threw three touchdowns, as well as two interceptions. He would also rush three times including a 10 yards touchdown run. His favourite target was Tommy Howes who made eight catches for 94 yards. Zach Regert made four catches for 96 yards and a 65 yard touchdown strike, while both Jesse Kendall’s catches resulted in touchdowns.
On the ground Alex Bradley returned after an injury and carried 14 times for 51 yards.
Defensively the Sun were led by Landon King who made seven tackles, and picked up a fumble. Jonas Gering, Matt McConnel, Jack Rush and Brandon Donkers each had four tackles, while Robbie Yochim and Brennan Van Nistlerooy both had interceptions, leading to offensive scores.
The Sun (4-1) will travel to Nanaimo following the bye week and face the VI Raiders (3-2).
The Langley Rams fall of the first time this season getting shutout for the first three quarters before scoring 28 points in the final 15 minutes.
Quarterback Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren would finish 23 of 43 for 290 yards and threw a touchdown pass. He would also rush 11 times for a game high 83 yards and three touchdowns.
Receiver Jacob Carvery had easily his best game with a game high 12 catches for 142 yards. His efforts would name him the McKinnon Career Coaching Player of the Game. Malcolm Williams hauled in five passes for 70 yards, while Spensor Farbatuk’s lone catch was for a 30 yard touchdown.
The Rams “D” would force two interceptions as Joe Lester and Tanner Hamade picked off passes. Nate De Rappard-Scott led the club with four tackles and a sack while Alex Agnoletto also had a sack.
The Rams (4-1) will face the Westshore Rebels (0-4) for the third time this season following the bye week on Saturday September 7 at McLeod Athletic Park.
The Vancouver Island Raiders recorded their third win of the season with a 37-27 in Kamloops on Saturday night in a mistake filled game as both teams turned the ball over for a combined 13 times.
The win by the Raiders is Head Coach Matt Blokker’s 84th in his career, setting a new BCFC record.
The Raiders used three quarterbacks as Jaeden Marwick finished eight of 17 for 148 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. Jamie Ybarra was two of five for 15 yards and a pick, while kicker Ryan Jones completed one pass for 25 yards.
Whitman Tomusiak finished with four catches for 62 yards, while Dustin Rodriguez caught three balls for 41 yards and a touchdown.
On the ground Michael Ritchott carried the ball eight times for 72 yards and a score, while Mikhail Maloff rushed six times for 51 yards and a major.
Jones was a perfect 2-2 in field goals hitting from 12 and 39 yards out.
Defensively the Raiders would force six turnovers. Cole Bishop intercepted two passes while Dylan Chapdelaine and Arhur Fabbro each had one, Fabbro would return his 40 yards to the end zone. Tristan Koronkiewicz and Ash Gayat each recovered fumbles. Gayat would also tally two sacks, and Nathan Warawa, Koronkiewicz and Josh Castillo-Toledo each had one. Chapdelaine led the Raiders with six tackles.
The Raiders (3-2) will host the Okanagan Sun (4-1) following the Labour Day weekend bye.
The Kamloops Broncos would hang tough with the Raiders, and would outgain them offensively, totalling 372 yards of net offense, compared to the Raiders 332 yards.
Quarterback Steve Schuweiler made his first start and finished 13 of 24 for 297 yards, ran for a touchdown, threw for a major, but also threw four interceptions. His favourite target was the McKinnon Career Coaching Player of the Game Derek Yachison who hauled in a game high six catches for 151 yards and the lone major. Jesse Neufeld chipped in with three catches for 78 yards.
On the ground the Broncos were led by Jacob Palmarin who rumbled 13 times for 84 yards. Sheldon Brown pounded six times for 20 yards.
The Broncos defense played solid, forcing six turnovers. Steve Liss, Dan Orydzuk, Warabek Auyel and Dan Douglas each picked off a pass, while Grady Chalmers and Paytin Chang recovered fumbles. Braden McCarthy had another big game recorded five tackles, a sack and forced a fumble. Ben Hoffman and Chalmers also recorded sacks.
Following the Labour Day bye the Broncos (0-4-1) will travel to face the Valley Huskers (2-1-1) on Saturday September 7th.
The Valley Huskers will host the Westshore Rebels in the lone BCFC game next weekend.
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