July 25, 2024 Victoria, BC (ISN) – The newly-minted 2024 Westshore Rebels football team is primed for another exciting season as they return to Starlight Stadium in “Red In The Park” day this Saturday as they host the Prince George Kodiaks in their home-opener in game two, BC Football Conference action.
The Rebels tested the waters with a 43-27 win over the Kamloops Broncos last weekend at Hillside season in a season-opening trial for this Saturday’s match up.
Despite sporting a new, young and retooled-looking team after the departure of many senior players from their 2023 Cullen Cup Championship team, the Rebels looked in control on both sides of the ball most of the game.
Westshore didn’t waste time scoring in the game, jumping out to a 20-0 first quarter lead before adding another 23 points in the third frame before shutting down the starting lineup. Ryan Vincent would score the Rebels first TD of the season to set the tone in the game, while receiver Zion Brown would give the Bronco secondary fits, putting up 90 yards on 3 catch receptions and a TD.
The Rebels starting QB Ethan Pickard, learning the ropes last season as backup to 2023 CJFL Allstar and Offensive MVP Te Jessie, looked more than match-ready under centre in his first CJFL start, orchestrating his offense squad to a whopping 514 yards of total offense, passing for 358 yards of that offense and 5 touchdowns.
When asked about his on-field success, Pickard was quick to deflect and praise his offensive line. “That offensive line is fantastic. You can’t ask for a (better) group of guys that will put their “life on the line” for you. Zero sacks are a ridiculous stat for the first game of the season. Not playing together before, or playing different positions, and to come together and put up a game like that, – we expect big things from them. They did a great job.”
Defensively, the Rebels did well to hold the Broncos wide receiver and BC Lions prospect Colton Meikle to a single TD, on 103 yards receiving. The Rebel defense would pick off Broncos starting QB Clark Snider three times, and backup QB Brayden Barcsik would add another interception to the Westshore Rebel ball hawks tally to help give their offensive squad quality field position most of the game.
If there was any weakness in the play of the Rebels, it would have to be the 228 yards in penalties taken, however the defense would redeem themselves claiming back 91 of those yards on Bronco interceptions.
Penalties will certainly be a point of focus for the Rebels prior to their upcoming game two performance against the 1-0 Kodiaks this weekend in Langford
Unique to the Rebels this season, is the amount local island talent dotting the team to complement the play calling of new Rebels Head Coach Mark Townsend. Not a stranger to island football, most notably his tenureship with the high school Mt Douglas Rams, Townsend is notably pleased to see the fruits of his past labour, and island football’s efforts in general, contribute to the Rebels’ successes.
When asked about the number and quality of local recruits brought to the team, Coach Townsend would comment, “Our island talent is fantastic! Just last week I counted the number of high school players on the team I have coached at the high school level, and that number was sixteen, which Is quite amazing. When you add in the rest of the players that we have recruited up and down Vancouver Island, it’s really exciting to see the local players put together with those players recruited from across Canada and internationally and see them gel together. They are doing exceedingly well on the football field.”
Saturday, the Westshore Rebels will look to hand the Prince George Kodiaks their first loss of the young season. For the Kodiaks, relatively new to the BCFC, they will visit the island for the second time in two years. The Rebels made the journey to Prince George last year for their only meeting of the season where Westshore handed the Kodiaks a 49-10 loss.
When asked what fans can expect from Saturday’s home-opener, Head Coach Mark Townsend would understandably hesitate to use his crystal ball. “I’m never someone to make predications, but what I will say is that we will go out there and we’re going to compete. Our core belief is built around that competition. We’re going to be well prepared, and I’m really excited to play a home game in front of our fans, and I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for these (Rebel) players to showcase their talent.”
Saturday’s July 27th “Red In The Park” home-opener game time is 4pm at Starlight Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online at www.westshore rebels.ca or at the gate.