The Howe Sound Sounders kicked off the 2012 season with a strong defensive statement, blanking the Earl Marriott Mariners 24-0 in Surrey on Friday (Sept. 21).
The Sounders defence held the Mariners to only 85 total yards offense and a Earl Marriott failed to get a single yard passing.
Sounders coach Jim Errington said he was pleased with the way the defense responded in their team's first big test.
"This year we had only one returning defensive starter and we had some huge concerns about how well our defence would do," he said in an email. "It is pretty impressive how quickly our players are catching on to what we do. In two games [one regular season, one exhibition], we have given up a total of 105 yards."
Nose tackle Adam Stangowtiz, who led the team with nine tackles, was named defensive player of the game. Other top tacklers included Mitch Alford (seven), Josh Watts (six) and Swo-wo Gabriel (five). Gabriel also recovered a fumble and Kevin Gloor grabbed an interception.
The Sounders were led offensively by Cam Dare, who had 14 carries for 112 yards with one touchdown. Quarterback Roland Mendoza had one rushing and one passing touchdown, connecting with Taylor Priebe on a 52-yard score.
"On offence we started out slow but by the second quarter we settled in and moved the ball fairly consistently," Errington said. "We had a couple of good drives stalled by turnovers but overall our numbers were good and we are definitely improving."
The Sounders will next take on the Frank Hurt Hornets on Friday (Sept. 28) at 4 p.m. at Howe Sound field. Errington said the Hornets are a strong team and they crushed Milne Secondary 42-0 on Saturday (Sept. 22).
"The upcoming game with Frank Hurt will really test just how far along we are," he said. "We don't match up well with the speed they have on that team."
For more information on the teams, visit www.bchighschoolfootball.com.
