In a must-win situation, the Howe Sound Sounders football club delivered with its best game of the season.
The Sounders got back in the win column and kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-0 win over the E.J. Milne Wolverines of Sooke on Saturday (Oct. 20).
Howe Sound's defence was key, allowing the Wolverines only 38 total yards and coach Jim Errington was pleased with how the Sounders' defence set the tone for the game. He said the week off gave the Sounders time to heal and also work on new techniques in practice.
"Defensively we have been working on how to get around people rather than getting locked up with them," he wrote in an email. "If we can continue with the same intensity as we showed in this game, it won't be as easy to score against us as it was in the previous two games."
Errington said Tyson Thompson had an incredible game busting the Wolverines' offensive line and the secondary was led by Rolan Mendoza, who snagged two interceptions. Juan Medina also had two picks and Kelvin Gloor added one. The Sounders benefited from seven defensive turnovers, by far the most on the season.
Josh Watts led the Sounders with six tackles, while Thompson and Jesse Andrews each had a pair of quarterback sacks.
Howe Sound was humming on offence, with 219 total yards and it was one of the best passing performances by a Sounders quarterback in recent memory. Mendoza threw for 122 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown. Norbi Richter picked up two receiving touchdowns and 70 total yards, with Rick Wilson picking up the Sounders' other touchdown.
"Offensively we've been trying to be more balanced by working on the pass," Errington said. "Their defence stuffed our running game but Rolan was able to connect on seven of 15 to get us the points."
The Sounders improved to three wins and two losses on the season and Errington said the Sounders need to work on timing to improve the running game in advance of the team's next league game against GP Vanier on Nov. 3.
Next up for the Sounders will be an exhibition game against the newly formed Pemberton Grizzlies on Saturday (Oct. 27) at 1:30 p.m. at Howe Sound field. In addition to the two teams battling, the Sounders cheer squad has challenged the Grizzlies cheerleaders to a cheer competition at halftime. Winners will be judged by audience reaction.
Check out www.bchighschoolfootball.com for more information on the Sounders.
