Bulldogs Bark Loudly At Ravens
Last year the Moose Jaw Bulldogs were a brand new U12 team in the Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League.
This year they hit the field like seasoned pros defeating the Weyburn Ravens 54 - 18 in their home opener on Saturday.
The Bulldogs used their size and speed to pave the way to victory.
Moose Jaw Bulldogs Cohen Hofer (right) ends up on his back after being tackled - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas
The First Quarter score was Bulldogs 21 and the Ravens 0.
The Ravens managed to score an unconverted touch down in the Second Quarter. But the Bulldogs managed to outpace the Ravens in scoring increase their lead to 28 points.
The score at Halftime was the Bulldogs 34 and the Ravens 6.
The Bulldogs would score two touchdowns versus one for the Ravens in the Third Quarter.
Both teams would exchange touchdowns in the Fourth Quarter.
The Final Score was Bulldogs 64 and the Ravens 18.
Weyburn Ravens Nathan Cornish (left) gives chase to Moose Jaw Bulldogs ball carrier Ashton Cuthberson - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas
Interviewing responsibilities fell to Moose Jaw Bulldogs Defensive Coordinator Josh Sigurdson.
Sigurdson said for a Bulldogs team largely made up of U12 rookies it was a good outing for the team.
“I thought it was a great game. I thought there was a lot of small victories. We have a lot of new players and we had nine retuning total so for a lot of kids that was their first football game ever so it was a good effort all away around,” he said.
Sigurdson said the big crop of rookies played well.
“They definitely rose up to the challenge. We gave them a challenge coming out their first game and giving Weyburn a long ride home they definitely did that today,” he said.
Moose Jaw Bulldogs Cohen Hofer (left) is brought down a yard short of a touchdown - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas
Sigurdson said a main component of the victory was the great play of the Bulldogs defensive squad.
“I think our defence played well. I think you saw Griffin Audette out there was a monster…we had a lot of good rookies step up and yeah it was just a great effort all the way around,” he said.
The Bulldogs are now looking just to get better,
“We are big proponents of we can get better tomorrow than we are today obviously we will have a better season. So we just have got to get better at practice and take the long trip to Estevan and hope for a win,” he said.
The Bulldogs (1 - 0) face the season over season vastly improved Estevan Chargers (0 - 1) this coming Saturday afternoon in Estevan.
On the Moose Jaw Bulldogs bench - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas
Asked about the Chargers Sigurdson said “they have a lot of big kids obviously so we have just got to adapt for the size.”
The Chargers likely have the largest and most intimidating offensive line in the U12 division.
“There’s a lot of big kids. A lot of speed on there and lots of blockers so we just have to game plan for that and make sure we are up for the challenge.”
Sigurdson reiterated the Bulldogs might be largely new players they’re all eager to play.
“I’m very proud of this year’s team. We have a lot of new kids and like I said a lot of kids that due to the age group are new to football in general but it’s all good.”
Moose Jaw Bulldogs ball carrier (center) Hax Throssell is pursued by four Weyburn Ravens defenders - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas
Weyburn Ravens head coach Brad Hillstead said despite the loss the largely rookie team of football newbies put in a good game.
“It was an absolutely beautiful game out there. It was really good. We have a lot of new guys. A lot of first year players out there that were doing an outstanding job,” Hillstead said.
“There were a few breaks here and there but I mean it still was a great day of football. I enjoyed it,” he said.
A big aspect of Weyburn’s play on Saturday was despite trailing the team never gave up until the final whistle.
“Absolutely not (they didn’t give up). That’s what I’m trying to preach to these guys for all season so hopefully they take that up and take that to heart.”
Moose Jaw Bulldogs Jack Campbell is tackled - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas
Asked if it was hard to keep the team motivated at times when they were trailing but it wasn’t major.
“They got down a little bit on themselves but they started picking up and starting to get some knowledge on the sidelines there,” Hillstead said.
Despite the loss Hillstead said there were plenty of positives for Weyburn.
“Our running game was looking pretty good at times. We do have one guy out there that is really a good tackle I think he had about 15 (tackles) today. So that’s one guy that’s good to look out for.”
Moose Jaw Bulldogs Jack Campbell (right) gets to the outside against the Weyburn Ravens - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas
“There’s lots to build on for sure,” he said, adding “there’s lots to build on but we’ve got a good base.”
Hillstead said the Ravens were looking towards “growth” for the remainder of the season.
“Growth (is a big one). I hope the kids have fun every time they come out. And they keep on coming back and hopefully they are coming back for another season that’s what my goals are.”
He said he was “pretty happy” with the Ravens play and work ethic given about three-quarters of the team are rookies and new to football.
“It’s definitely a learning curve today and they have handled it well.”
