Vikings improve to 3-1 after huge win over BJM

Humenny said defensive ends Jacob Mamer and Chase Bartko particularly stood out with strong performances.

The win wasn’t big just because it improved the team’s record to 3-1. It was also huge because of who they beat.

“These guys really had to work for it tonight against a really good opponent,” Humenny said. “BJM has been tops in the 3A league in Saskatoon for the last number of years and they’re very well coached and they came to play tonight.”

On the offensive side of things, the Vikings focus going into the game was once again going to be on rushing the ball, thanks to capable Grade 11 running back J.T. Lamb. Lamb had rushed for three touchdowns in a single game twice already this season.

The thing was, the Saints knew it.

That’s why Vikings quarterback Damon Dutton needed to be relied upon as well.

“The catalyst there on offence [was] Damon Dutton,” Humenny said. “He put us up and down the field, hit a number of receivers, [and] made some timely throws on third down in gambling situations. We ran the ball when we needed to, but I think our passing game is what put us in a position to win the game.

“We had [Dutton] in just a roll-out pass series where he’s adjusting the pocket and he did really well with it. He threw the ball on the run really well.”

Dutton was 28-for-32 from behind centre, throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 16 yards and an additional touchdown.

Lamb found the end zone on the ground twice, rushing for 97 yards on 21 carries. He also connected with Dutton in the air twice, making three receptions for 17 yards.

Dutton’s favourite target on Thursday was a receiver who never found the end zone, but whose impact was felt all evening long. That would be Presley Peterson, who caught 12 passes for 145 total yards.

“Our pass game tonight, it really came to life [and] I guess it was aided by the fact that Presley Peterson…reemerged,” Humenny said. “[He] played in our first game of the year and he was really good in that game, but he’s been out for the last two games with an ankle injury.

“He caught a number of balls and had a kick-off return to set us up for another touchdown.”

In week three, when the Vikings fell 35-26 to Tommy Douglas, a big issue was penalties and fumbles.

That wasn’t the case against BJM.

“I think we had less than five penalties all night long so as a coaching staff, we were really happy to how they responded,” Humenny said. “I think we might have had an offside on one and we may have had another holding on one but I think those things kind of happen naturally in the game of football.”

The Vikings schedule now sees them play three straight home games to close out the year, after starting with four straight road games.

Next up is Holy Cross on Friday Oct. 6.

“They’re one of the best teams in the province,” Humenny said. “They’ve represented Saskatoon at the provincial level for the last number of years. They’re very well-coached. We had a chance to watch them tonight live before our game and they certainly passed the look test.”

Friday’s game will be played at Beaver Lions Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @NathanKanter11

by Nathan Kanter

Vikings improve to 3-1 after huge win over BJM

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