Vikings Win Pass Versus Running Game Duel
Photos and story by Robert Thomas
A strong cooling breeze and shade made for a relaxing evening for the hundreds of fans but it failed to cut the on field intensity as the Moose Jaw Vikings defeated the visiting Weyburn Falcons 44 - 24 in Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League U14 action.
The game saw Moose Jaw favour the pass versus Weyburn who almost exclusively ran the ball - except for one completed pass - kicking off the season for the U14 division of the league.
“I was really happy. I thought they threw the ball really well. I thought we ran the ball when we had to,” Vikings head coach Colin Belsher told MJ Independent in the post game interview.
A Vikings player hits the grass after receiving a pass - mj independent photo
Belsher said he was very happy with the Vikings putting in a great effort both offensively and defensively against a strong Falcons team.
“Weyburn is a good team. They showed it at points in that game and our defense had to step up at certain points in the game. So all around we are good.”
He did admit the Vikings had things to work on at practice as the season progresses.
Weyburn’s quarterback calls his own number on the way to a touchdown late in the game - mj independent photo
“We have some work to do on special teams, but this time of the year that’s usually the weakest part of your team, so I’m OK with that.”
Asked if he felt the score clock was not indicative of how Weyburn played, Belsher agreed.
“No when I looked up at the score we were well ahead and it was only a 20 point game that’s just three scores and now you’re the one trailing.”
A photo from the bench - mj independent photo
Belsher said the team played to their top potential.
“Our message to the kids today was you know you’re gonna make mistakes and that’s OK as long as you learn from them. And as long as your effort is at an all time high that’s all we can ask of you,” he said.
A Moose Jaw Vikings player is tackled - mj independent photo
Asked about Weyburn’s running the exact same play - a quarterback sneak - given the players are 13 and 14 year olds he said it was successful based on athleticism.
“You know he’s a good athlete right and at this level you put the ball in your athlete’s hands and usually special things happen,” Belsher said.
A Moose Jaw Vikings player breaks free just after catching a pass - mj independent photo
Asked about the large crowd - estimated at just over 300 spectators - Belsher said it was great to see and a testimonial to the efforts of the people running the league.
“They are doing a good job here and they are really making exciting times for football in Moose Jaw,” Belsher said.
a handoff by the Moose Jaw Vikings - MJ Independent photo
“You know Friday Night Lights as much as it is an American thing they are really trying to bring that flavour and love for the game here,” Belsher said.
In the United States on Friday nights thousands of people have turned out to watch high school football.
A plunge across the goal line - mj independent photo
Weather-wise Belsher said it was a great night for the team and the fans as the heat of what had been a very hot day was replaced with a strong cooling breeze and the shade in the seating area.
“It was a great turn out with the weather and everything and I was just a perfect night,” he said.
Waiting your turn to get on the field - mj independent photo
About the extremely hot weather having an effect on the game, Belsher didn’t see it as a major factor.
“You know, I think a little bit at the beginning but as the sun goes down, this is Saskatchewan weather. You know you can be sweating in the day and then cold in the evening, but the kids played through it and it was a good time, he said.
Weyburn scores a touchdown by outrunning Moose Jaw - mj independent photo
Belsher said the season for the Vikings looked like an exciting one for the team.
“I’m pretty excited,” he said, adding “we have got some key kids returning and a lot of young kids coming up. And you put those two hard weeks (of training camp) in and it’s always nice when the kids get to see their hard work paying off.”
Across the goal line for the Moose Jaw Vikings - mj independent photo
Hard work and effort - or the lack of it - will be keys for the Vikings success or failure on the field this year. But for Belsher it’s not an issue.
“It’s a pretty resilient team and these guys have been working hard for the past two weeks. And when you work hard you usually get things to happen.”
A Moose Jaw Vikings player breaks a tackle leaving a weyburn Falcons defender on the grass - MJ Independent photo
The Vikings next game is September 10th at 4 pm in Swift Current where they’ll face the Steelers.