The Howe Sound Sounders defence bent but didn't break during their first exhibition game of the season against the Isfeld Ice on Friday (Sept. 10).
The two teams combined for nine turnovers but the Sounders defence held the Ice to only three points, making key plays at the right time when it seemed the Ice were poised to score.
The defence even chipped in with a touchdown of their own to secure the Sounders 14-3 victory.
"It was a pretty sloppy game," said running back Anthony Wuster. "We had a lot of new players and new linemen playing today so it's nice to get a win."
Wuster was a double threat, piling up a healthy number of yards on offence and also running back an interception for a touchdown when it seemed like the Ice were threatening to score in the second quarter.
"I think the comebacks that we got from our defence helped us win the game," he added.
Head coach Rob Ryan was satisfied with the victory but realized his team still needs a lot of work.
"We looked like a team that hadn't practised very much," he said, adding that the Sounders roster is now completely full.
"The turnovers were the story of this game. The defence really bailed us out and the defensive backfield really had a strong game for us."
The first possession for the Ice ended with their back fumbling the ball but the Sounders failed to capitalize on the field position, going three and out in their first series.
The Ice then also went three and out, punted but then got the ball right back after the Sounders flubbed the return.
The ensuing series saw the Sounders defence hold the Ice to a field goal, a small victory after giving them great field positioning at the 30 yard line to begin.
The Sounders responded on the next series as the combination of running backs Wuster and Cory Constantin smashed through the Ice defence. Constantin capped off an impressive 80-yard drive scoring a touchdown and the team successfully converted a two-point conversion to take an 8-3 lead.
According to Ryan, his backs had huge games despite the inexperience on the offensive line.
"They were on their own out there but they really excelled," he said of Constantin and Wuster. "The blocking all day was hit or miss and they found room out there."
The next drive saw the Ice make it all the way to the five yard line only to see Wuster snag an interception and run it back almost the entire length of the field. The Sounders missed the two-point conversion and that would be the last bit of scoring for the day.
The second half saw each of the two teams combine for five turnovers and fail to build offensive momentum. The Ice threatened to score in the third quarter but had their field goal attempt blocked.
Coach Ryan said the team will practise hard this week and work on their offensive and defensive lines, as well as integrate all the new players into their system.
Next up for the Sounders will be Duchess Park Secondary School Condors, who will travel from Prince George for the game.
The two teams are scheduled to square off at Hugh Boyd Secondary School field in Richmond on Saturday (Sept. 18) at noon.
