A week after holding their spring camp with BC Lions all-star Adam Bighill, the Cowichan Bulldogs hit the field last weekend for a preview of the upcoming spring football season with a jamboree hosted by the Greater Victoria Minor Football Association at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. The teams all had a chance to see what their opponents will look like this year by playing 20-minute half-field mini games against their division rivals.
The atom Bulldogs showed that they will be a force to be reckoned with this season, getting huge open-field tackles on defence from rookie Caden Gendall and veteran Cyrus Upshaw, while linemen Parker Sparks and Hunter Williams shut down anything that tried to get through.
The Bulldogs offensive line was not going to be outdone and made big blocks to open holes for experienced running backs Brock Lamont and Jack Napier-Ganley who both scored touchdowns. Quarterback Aiden Lawrence connected with new receiver Cole Russell for a touchdown in the third game.
"It was great to see the kids using what they have learned in practice and applying it on the field," atom head coach Devon Lawrence said. "The jamboree not only gave the team their first game experience, but it also lets the coaches see where we need to make some adjustments in both positions and plays."
The pre-atom Bulldogs also got great results from some of their rookies. Thoran Koyote, Spencer Young, Ethan Bell and Rylan Ross all ran for touchdowns as they played their first games on the weekend. Jaxson Jones made his debut at quarterback, and also scrambled for a major. "Once the players got over their first game jitters, the train started to roll," preatom head coach Ted Harris said.
Veteran offensive linemen Andre Lauzon, Eston Canning and Jayden Strzok and rookies Matthew Beauregard and Ryan Creally pounded holes into the opposing defences to let the ball-carriers through. On defence, Nico Harris, Josh Reid and Kaylum Billings led the way, while Sawyer Ellison, Parker Lawrence, Dillan Sterling and Jacob Bilina made big open-field tackles.
"It was great experience for the new players and a chance for everyone to put all the skills they have learned so far to the test," Coach Harris said. "We have a big and talented team this year, with a ton of speed. "My boys have really gained a lot of confidence in themselves and each other after this weekend's jamboree. I was extremely happy with all my players' performances."
The pre-atom, atom and pee wee Bulldogs will all start the regular season at Windsor Park in Victoria this Sunday against the Gordon Head Raiders.
For more information about the club, visit cowichanfootball.com