Atoms
The atom Bulldogs came up with a dominating performance this past weekend in the semi-finals of their league, beating the Nanaimo Hawks by a 48-7 score.
Deven Ranhawa rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on seven attempts and added another two touchdowns in the air, with two receptions for 72 more yards. Liam Freeland also scored two majors on four runs for 83 total yards, while quarterback Finn Bellis passed for two touchdowns and ran for another, amassing 131 yards overall. Dub Singh and Brett Fifield led the way on defence with four and two tackles respectively, and both players also earned a sack apiece, as did Carter Thorne, who had a standout game on defence as well. All told, Cowichan had 376 total yards while limiting Nanaimo to 92.
The Bulldogs play Nanaimo Beast Mode for all the marbles on Saturday, June 15 at Starlight Stadium.
“We’re excited for our final game, we play Nanaimo Beast Mode and they’re also a well disciplined, great tackling team," said head coach Kyle Bellis. "I look forward to Saturday's game, and the boys are chomping at the bit!”
Peewee
Cowichan's peewee Bulldogs met the Saanich Wolverines in the VICFA Cup semi-final at Copley Park on Saturday, June 8 with a chance to advance to the finals on the line.
"It was a rough game down in Saanich," admitted head coach Justin Young. The peewee squad lost 48-8, ending their season.
"Injuries plagued us throughout the game meaning a lot of people having to step up into big shoes and we fought our hearts out," he said of his team. "We are very proud of our boys and the amazing team we have. We fought hard and had fun until the very end and I couldn't ask for a more dedicated team."
The loss ends the Bulldogs' season, which they finished in fourth place overall.
"Of course it is not the end of the team's aspirations," Young said overall. "We will come back next season on our respective teams and play our hearts out as we always have."
Junior Bantam
With a 46-6 victory over the Victoria Spartans in the semi-finals, the junior bantam Cowichan Bulldogs will move on to play for the Dogwood Cup.
"It was a great game played by the entire team," said head coach Trystan Ryder, adding "the first half was an airshow."
Quarterback Domenic Reeves spread the ball around to the entire receiving corps while the offensive line continued their stellar play over the second half of the season, and gave Reeves all the time he needed to get the job done.
Running back Atlas Woodard caught fire, scoring three touchdowns in addition to making great blocks in the backfield.
"The highlight of the second half was our offensive linemen taking turns running the ball," Ryder said. "At this age group we are able to give the players chances at playing positions they normally don’t play. Every lineman dreams about running the ball at some point, and this group did not hesitate when called upon."
The play of the game came on a pass to receiver Casper Dewan who hauled in a pass deep in the end zone to score his first touchdown of the season.
"Our entire team met him in the end zone to celebrate this milestone with him," Ryder said.
The Bulldog defence played their usual take-no-prisoners type of game.
"All season long our defence has played lights out, and this game was no different," Ryder said.
Led by linebacker Landen Laver, Cowichan stopped the Spartan running game at the line of scrimmage on almost every play. Arlo Phillips used a perfect combination of stealth and speed to take down ball carriers in the offensive backfield.
"All game long the entire pack of nine bulldogs on defence we’re in on tackles," added the coach. "On special teams our kicker Tristan Lamb was absolutely perfect. His accuracy and ability to place the ball exactly where he wants it is very impressive. Mica Kendrick used his lightning speed to recover onside kicks, and some great runs for our return squad."
The Bulldogs will take on Oceanside on Saturday, June 15 at Starlight Stadiumfor the Dogwood Cup.
"This game will provide the opportunity for our team to make up for the Week 1 tie against Oceanside that we feel we should have won," Ryder explained. "They are a strong team, but if we play our game and commit to the plan it should be a great game for us."
