Bulldogs Pull Off Electrifying Win
Story and photos by Robert Thomas
Key players missing for hockey tryouts didn’t dullen the excitement as the two top U12 division teams battled it out in Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League action on Monday evening.
The much anticipated game saw the undefeated Moose Jaw Spartans face off against the Moose Jaw Bulldogs in likely the best league action so far this season.
The game was highly contested with the Bulldogs managing a single point 19 - 18 victory over the Spartans.
Moose Jaw Bulldogs Maxime Curtis tries to break a tackle by Moose Jaw Spartans Bennett Dunlop
The game saw the Bulldogs take an early 6 - 0 lead and seemingly control with a 12 - 6 lead at halftime.
But in the second half the momentum swung both ways with the teams giving up possession on downs no less than ten times back to back.
The Spartans were able to take the lead and were on the verge of putting the game away when the Bulldogs defence held on the one yard line.
The Bulldogs would move the ball up field and score a converted touchdown to claim the one point victory.
Moose Jaw Spartans ball carrier Beckett Bauk just steps out of bounds
“This was an unreal battle. Two good teams were out there looking for first place and we knew it was going to be a hard game and it’s exactly what happened,” Moose Jaw Bulldogs head coach Jodi Throssell said.
About the defensive stand of the game - stopping the Spartans on the one yard line on three downs - Throssell described it as “unreal.”
“I know our defence could do it. They’ve been battling all year and they proved that they are top notch.”
Moose Jaw Bulldogs Jax Throssell tries to evade two Moose Jaw Spartans tacklers
Asked if it was almost like pulling his hair out as the teams’ defences held in a mid field back and forth battle he said “absolutely.”
“I had to give the play sheet to a different coach there for a bit because I was getting so worked up…it was a battle.”
Asked if the tight defensive game was what he expected Throssell said “I think it was. It was exactly what I suspected. I know the Spartans have an unreal offence. They gave a real good defence and I was just happy we could come out and compete with them.”
Moose Jaw Spartans Noah Amey (right) evades a lunging Moose Jaw Bulldogs tackler
The Bulldogs came up with a massive passing play to win the game.
“The play that we had there for a 90 yard touchdown or whatever. It was one of our only passing plays of the game and really it solidified the win.”
Despite the comeback Throssell said it did look like the Spartans were going to pull off a massive come from behind victory.
Players scramble for the ball after a fumble by the Spartans - the Bulldogs were able to recover the ball for a major turnover
“They had our number that’s for sure.”
The team plans to continue rolling with the system they have as they prep for their next game.
For Moose Jaw Spartans head coach Brock Montgomery it was an exciting football game especially for the fans.
Moose Jaw Spartans Griffin Alexanderson (right) is tackled by the Moose Jae Bulldogs Ryder Lanoie
Montgomery said he enjoyed the tight defensive battling game the Spartans and Bulldogs had.
“I prefer this type of close game than a 41 - 0 final score,” he said.
The Spartans loss didn’t come down to major mistakes or errors but just down to small things on the field.
Late in the game on the Bulldogs bench
Moose Jaw Spartans quarterback Leo Montgomery sprints towards the end zone with the help of a minor hold
The Spartans bench
Moose Jaw Spartans Noah Amey is double teamed by the Moose Jaw Bulldogs
A Moose Jaw Spartans player attempts a toe tackle on the Moose Jaw Bulldogs ball carrier
Editor’s Note - due to a technical glitch, the full comments by Moose Jaw Spartans head coach Brock Montgomery failed to record properly preempting full interview for the story.
We apologize for this error