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Crusaders remain undefeated, extend streak to 4-0

Sep 29, 2018 | 8:00 AM

The John Paul II Crusaders are now 4-0 to start the season, thanks to a commanding 38-3 victory over the Kindersley Kobras to keep their hot start to the season ablaze.

Four games into the schedule and the Crusaders have already doubled their win total from last season, which saw the team end the year with a 2-4 record.

When asked about his club’s start to the season, Crusaders’ head coach Bruce Yockey said he’s been thrilled with what he’s seen so far throughout the lineup.

“It’s been a really positive start on both ends of the ball,” Yockey said. “We’ve been holding teams to very few points and very few yards. Offensively we have had a really good ground game and it’s allowed us to kind of control the clock and the score.”

Thursday night the Crusaders shot out of a cannon early on to start the game, scoring on their first possession, and would only continue to add to their lead as the game wore on.

“We scored on our first four possessions, so we were pretty pleased with the start we got off to,” Yockey said. “We were basically up 38-0 at the half.”

The explosive start and resulting lead were thanks in large part to a great ground game and dynamic running attack from the backfield lead by Grade 10 running backs, Decklin Wychopen and Leo Senger, who each scored a couple of touchdowns in the contest. For Wychopen, Thursday night marked his first game action in a few weeks, as he returned to the team and wasted no time in helping contribute directly to his team’s scoring prowess.

Coach Yockey said the team’s advantage also allowed different players to get some more playing time as well.

“To build up a lead like that really allowed us to get some secondary players in there as well and get them some experience in the second half,” he said. “That was a good thing to gain some experience for some of our younger players and some of our backup players.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Yockey believes the team’s D-side pressure is just as integral a part of the squad’s success this season as anything and provides a great compliment to the offensive firepower.

“Our D-linemen do a great job, they have been stopping the opposition run at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield, and they got us some timely sacks last night as well,” he said.

Yockey saw his veteran players insulate their younger teammates nicely to form a solid group dynamic.

“I think with the Grade 12’s surrounding some of the younger guys back on defence, they play really well,” he said. “I was very impressed. We always seem to have three or four blue jerseys on every tackle.”

The Crusaders will need to continue their strong play with the turn of the calendar, as they are back in action Oct. 4 against Delisle who also boast a 4-0 start to the year.  

 

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1