The peewee Cowichan Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the young season last Sunday, falling 19-0 on the road against the Nanaimo Lions.
"Nanaimo was able to put points on the board in the first quarter, which seemed to set the tone for the game," head coach Devon Lawrence said. "Our offence was effective moving the ball, but could not capitalize when in the red zone."
Cowichan quarterback Aiden Lawrence completed two passes to running back Zach Pearson, and the Bulldogs offence would have been entirely unable to move the ball if not for the blocking of linemen Andre Louzon and Harrison Padur.
On defence, the peewee Bulldogs showed significant improvement in the tackling department. Cornerback Riley Noyce and linebacker Jesse Kwasny teamed up to stop any runs on their side. While the wear and tear of a long game set in toward the end, the Bulldogs still managed to hold the Lions to just three touchdowns.
"Even though the score was not in our favour, I thought everyone played well," Lawrence said.
The junior bantam Bulldogs got their only touchdown on a kick return by Jason Brandt as they lost on the road against Gordon Head last Sunday. The game started out as a defensive battle, but Gordon Head got on the board first and managed a few more scores before Brandt struck.
"I feel we were the better team for sure, but we need to start playing with a sense of urgency, and determination," head coach Tim Maertz said. "The coaches' goal this week is to light a fire under our players. We are a very talented team, with a bunch of great athletes. It's coming together, and as soon as it does, we will be a difficult team to deal with."
Both Bulldogs teams will play their home openers this Saturday against Peninsula at McAdam Park, the peewees taking the field at 1 p.m. and the junior bantams in action at 3 p.m.