ESTEVAN - The Estevan Lions Club U14 Oilers continued what has been their strongest season in program history by defeating the reigning league champions, the Weyburn Falcons, 28-1 Friday night in Weyburn.
Running back TJ Thompson scored two touchdowns on the ground and another through the air to lead the Oilers' attack, and receiver Hayden Tokarchuk had a rushing touchdown for his first major of the season.
Coach Christian Pfeifer praised the resilience of the players, as they went into the game with 21 players dressed, and a couple of players were hurt during the game, so a lot of the athletes had to play on both offence and defence.
"They didn't ask questions. They didn't complain," said Pfeifer. "Whenever we needed somebody out there to play a position that they were unfamiliar with, they just went out there and they did it to the best of their ability."
Due to weight restrictions in the Moose Jaw league, teams can only play certain players in some positions, which meant the coaches had to get very creative.
"We made due, and then the kids stepped up big for us," said Pfeifer.
When Weyburn beat Estevan earlier this season, three of the Falcons' four touchdowns were scored on special teams. This time the Oilers were "infinitely" better defending against the kickoff and punt returns, he said.
"There were no special teams touchdowns scored on either side," said Pfeifer. "We learned from our mistakes and corrected them, and these kids, they really showed up."
The Oilers (4-1) will wrap up the regular season by hosting the Swift Current Steelers at 1 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the Dana Quewezance Memorial Field at Woodlawn Athletic Park.
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The Estevan Power Dodge U12 Chargers picked up a lopsided 61-13 victory over the Weyburn Ravens, also Friday in Weyburn.
Dexx Tendler shifted from running back to quarterback for the game and scored eight of their touchdowns. Running back Colton Juneau also scored once in the game. Merrick Ross succeeded on a couple of two-point convert attempts.
Coach James Haagsman noted the Chargers have a new player on defence, Jax Trombley, and he made a majority of Estevan's tackles.
The Chargers led 48-6 at halftime.
Haagsman noted the Chargers have been spending most of their practices focusing on the defensive side of the ball and it showed on Friday. He is very proud of the players who have gone from never playing a snap of football to making a crucial third down stop.
The Chargers (2-3) will wrap up their regular season by visiting the Moose Jaw Spartans on Oct. 5.
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The Southeast U18 Estevan Kinette Club Viragos lost 54-12 to the Moosomin Generals on Sunday in Moosomin. The game was called at halftime as due to injuries, the Viragos did not have enough players to continue.
Carly Herman had both of Estevan's touchdowns, and coach Mark Tribiger noted Kassidy Wallington had an interception on defence.
He added the offensive line, comprised of Isabella McQuaid, Kassidy Wallington and Kristen Loroff, played really well, not allowing the Generals anywhere near quarterback Aurora McCutcheon. They also opened up "huge" holes for Herman to make some big runs, Tribiger said.
The Viragos will visit Swan River in their next game in early October.
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The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs were on the road last Tuesday for a game against the Swift Current Colts, and lost 30-14.
Coach Chris Bayerle said the game was tied 14-14 at halftime, but then Swift Current pulled away in the second half. Running back Preston McGuire and receiver Dorian Sifton had the touchdowns for Estevan. Khalifa Elshein converted both scores.
Quarterback Tristan Tober had a combined 210 yards passing to Sifton and Elshein, Bayerle said. The Estevan defence came up with two fumble recoveries.
Bayerle described it as a chippy game, and both teams were looking for their first win of the season. The Elecs still have some improvements to make, but Bayerle said the team is working towards controlling the field, and the Elecs used a bye week to recover from some injuries.
The Elecs' next game will be Oct. 5 when they visit Moose Jaw Peacock, who is also looking for its first win of the season.
