October 8, 2016 Saanich, BC (ISN) – Despite torrential rains and a slick ball hampering field play, the Ladysmith Steelers of the Vancouver Island Football League travelled to Victoria Saturday and came away with a split that saw the Steelers PeeWee team fall to the Westshore Wildcats 28-14, but rise up to take a convincing 30-6 win over the Junior Bantam Victoria Wildcats in the matinee game at Copley Field.
Steelers vs Warhawks (28-14)
In the warm up game, it was evident from the opening snap that weather would be the scapegoat as both the PeeWee Steelers and Warhawks would try to adjust the inclement field conditions that saw both sides combine for a total three consecutive fumbles that, in the end, would see the Warhawks win field advantage to put first TD on the board with a twenty yard run to the house in the midway through the first quarter of play. The 2-1 Steelers would find themselves behind by a pair of touchdowns, 14-0, midway through the second quarter, before they would find a reply in their QB, who would call his own number to run the field for the major to pull close 14-8 to close the first half of play.
The Warhawks, trying to climb the playoff ladder sitting tied for second place with a 3-1 record after four games, would add two additional rushing TD’s, outpacing the Steelers in the second half to take the 28-14 win, and hoping to gain ground on the undefeated Victoria Renegades.
Steelers vs Wildcats (30-6)
In the matinee game, the skies would clear up and the Junior Bantam Steelers would avenge the earlier PeeWee defeat, turning an early, first half defensive performance; into a second half offensive route of the six place Wildcats. The Steelers, sitting tied for fourth place, would come out slow to the ball, spotting the Wildcats six points with a rushing TD midway through the first quarter 6-0.
Despite a strong offensive ground attack by the WildCats the remainder of the game; they would be unable to solve the pressure brought by an awoken Steeler D-line. The D-line for the Steelers would find opportunity to penetrate the Wildcat offensive line to frustrate Victoria’s QB at times, keeping their opponent out of rhythm.
The Steelers would go on to put the next 30 points to the board to run away with the impressive 30-6 win. With that win, the JB Steelers hope to gain ground on their Nanaimo cousin Harewood Dawgs, the Victoria Spartans, and the undefeated highflying Victoria Renegades.
