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Lessons learned on winless weekend for Cowichan Bulldogs

Three losses and one cancellation for football teams
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Bantam Cowichan Bulldogs running back Lucas Laver plows through the Meadow Ridge defence late in the Bulldogs’ loss to the visiting Meadow Ridge Knights at McAdam Park last Sunday. (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)

It was a rough weekend for the Cowichan Bulldogs football teams, none of whom managed to pick up a win.

But that doesn’t mean nothing was gained.

The peewee Bulldogs lost 22-0 to the Westshore Warriors at Copley Park on Saturday, but came away with plenty of lessons learned.

“One of the great things about team sports is that every game is a learning experience,” peewee head coach Trystan Ryder commented. “On Saturday we learned a lot.

“We played a Westshore team that loves to run the ball. Our defence was very strong up the middle and shut down the Warriors’ interior rushing. Our defensive secondary had trouble containing the runs to the outside. It was a tough day for our offence. The Westshore defensive line did a great job at getting into our backfield and disrupting the play.

“Although the score didn’t go our way, our team will use the loss as fuel for the next game. We are looking forward to a strong week at practice.”

Also at Copley Park on Saturday, the junior bantam Bulldogs lost 36-6 to Westshore. Backup quarterback Kaden Backman ran in the lone touchdown on the last play of the game, while tight end Andrew Bahen set up the biggest offensive gains with some key blocks.

“Our game was a rough one playing a much bigger teams numbers-wise,” JB coach Justin Young said. “Altogether I am really proud of my boys. They keep fighting through adversity like it’s nothing and to see them constantly trying to do their best and compete is something any coach wants to see.”

The bantam Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the season, falling 46-33 to the Meadow Ridge Knights at McAdam Park on Sunday. The Cowichan bantams trailed 34-33 in the fourth quarter before the game got away from them.

Max Lang had three touchdowns and Ryder Maertz had two, including a pick-six. Brad MacRae kicked converts for the other points.

“Injuries and absent players didn’t help us this game,” coach Opie Williams said. “We had a lot of players that were going both ways. Fatigue was starting to take effect late in the game.”

The midget Bulldogs were hoping to get back in the win column when they travelled to Starlight Stadium in Langford on Sunday evening, but the game was cancelled when the officiating crew failed to show up.

All four Cowichan teams will be in action at McAdam Park this weekend. On Saturday, the peewees host Nanaimo at 10 a.m. and the junior bantams host Nanaimo at noon. On Sunday, the bantams host Nanaimo at noon and the midgets host the White Rock Titans at 2 p.m.



Kevin Rothbauer

About the Author: Kevin Rothbauer

Kevin Rothbauer is the sports reporter for the Cowichan Valley Citizen
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