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Cowichan Junior Bantam Bulldogs season comes to an end

Future bright for Cowichan football, says coach
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The 2022 Cowichan Junior Bulldogs. (Jennifer Laver photo)

The Cowichan junior bantam Bulldogs’ season has come to an end following a 22-8 loss to a skilled Saanich Wolverines team over the weekend.

“Our players fought hard, and gave the top seeded team from Saanich a run for their money,” said head coach Trystan Ryder. “Our entire staff is very proud of this team, and how far they’ve come this season.”

As for their semi-final game, Cowichan’s defence was hard to beat in the first half, keeping the score to just 6-0 for Saanich before the mid-game break.

After a quick turnover by the Bulldogs offence, Saanich put another touchdown on the board to go up 14-0, but it was the defence that ultimately kept it close for Cowichan.

“Our defence kept us in the game into the fourth quarter, when the Wolverines had a couple big plays to add to their lead,” Ryder said. “The defence gave it their all, and executed the game plan very well. All season long our defence has been there when needed, and this game was no different.”

The offence played well but struggled to put points on the board.

“Although we didn’t find the end zone through the first two quarters, we did have some success moving the ball,” Ryder said. “A big run up the middle late in the fourth quarter finally put us on the scoreboard, but unfortunately we ran out of time to close the gap further.”

All in all the Bulldogs had a successful regular season, finishing with six wins and three losses, and are looking forward to building on the success they’ve had this fall and will return for the 2023 Vancouver Island Canadian Football Association’s spring season to compete for the Island Gold Cup.

“It was a season full of ups and downs. We had significant injuries to players, some disappointing losses, and huge wins, including a five-game streak,” Ryder said. “This a talented group of athletes, and the future looks very bright for Cowichan Football.”



Sarah Simpson

About the Author: Sarah Simpson

I started my time with Black Press Media as an intern, before joining the Citizen in the summer of 2004.
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