After two weeks without scoring, it took the Howe Sound Sounders football club three plays to get on the scoreboard on Saturday (Oct. 12).
Tight end Adam Stangowitz scampered 36 yards for the opening touchdown and the Sounders cruised to a 44-6 win over the Earl Marriott Mariners.
After two shutouts we definitely needed this one to be big, Sounders coach Jim Errington wrote in an email. The biggest difference between this game and any game we've had so far was the defensive and offensive line play. Most people watch the ball, but the line almost always determines the outcome of any game.
Errington praised the front five of the Sounders for their work in shutting down the run and pressuring the quarterback. He also said the offensive line was spectacular, opening up holes for the running game and keeping tacklers away from ball carriers.
The Sounders' defence was on full display against the Mariners, as they held Earl Marriott to minus-10 yards rushing and a total of 124 yards offence. Rolan Mendoza had a strong game defensively, leading the team with seven tackles and snagging two interceptions. Stangowitz and Jonathan Hamill each had a fumble recovery, with Hamill also recording a quarterback sack.
Offensively, it was the Cam Dare show on the ground. Dare picked up an impressive 254 yards rushing on only 11 carries and scored four touchdowns. Quarterback Scott Messier completed five of eight passes for 53 yards and scored two touchdowns. Messier also picked up 48 total yards rushing.
The Sounders improved to three wins and three losses and have qualified for the Tier 2 playoffs, which begin on Nov. 2. The Sounders' opponent is yet to be determined.
Howe Sound will play its final home game of the season on Saturday (Oct. 19) against the Pemberton Grizzlies. The second annual Black Tusk Bowl will see the Grizzlies return to Howe Sound field with much more experience as a team. The Grizzlies defeated Howe Sound 20-14 in Pemberton on Aug. 31 and also travelled to Alaska for games earlier this fall.
The Sounders defeated the Grizzlies 33-2 at last year's Black Tusk Bowl. Kickoff for this year's game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
After Black Tusk Bowl II, the Sounders will conclude the regular season in Vancouver against Eric Hamber on Oct. 26.
