The  impressive  Abbotsford Falcons, all in black, arriving en mass in their enormous  bus, led us spectators to some trepidation as we welcomed them to Langford’s Eagle Ridge Park, on Saturday November 22,  where the Victoria Renegades  hosted them at  provincial semi finals.  Last year saw the same two teams battle it out in  Abbotsford with sub-zero weather conditions leaving the Victoria team to squeak through with a 28-12 win. 

Head coach Mark Townsend, visibly proud of the boys and their achievements as a team this season, encouraged everyone in a pre-game huddle  to not second guess or dwell on the game no matter what the outcome. “Do not take it home,” he said, “and do not ask your self  ‘could I have played better?’”

 The coaching skills go way beyond children’s football.  The lessons learned from these  coaches have left  lasting impressions on these kids, not the least of which is to have a sense of humour, as linesman coach Richard Gerlach demonstrated before the game, making a show of running through a mental list of pre-game necessities.

“Let’s see, have I forgotten anything ... oh yes, throwing up.”  For parents and players awaiting a nerve-wracking game, the show of smiles, humour and lightheartedness was just the ticket to bolster the fans.

 Going into the game with their trademark sportsmanship and self-esteem paid off for the Renegades  who burst through their game banner as they ran onto the field.

The official head coach statement (in italicized text) just proves that our four Sooke boys: Mason Swift, Connor Gray, Kyle Clarke and Brandon L’heureux, known as the Sooke contingent,  are really just a small part of a terrific team of talented focused young men.

On Saturday the Renegades played the game of their lives in defeating the Abbotsford Falcons by a score of 58 to 8 in the provincial semi-final junior bantam football playoffs. The Renegades took control of the game early building up a 50-0 lead at halftime.

 Mason Swift led the Renegades scoring with an incredible six touchdown performance, the latter coming in on a TD strike from the arm of quarterback Brett Johnston. Cassidy Jones scored two touchdowns, one an outstanding punt return to the house.

The entire offensive line played tremendously, opening huge running lanes for the renegades backfield. As a team the Renegades rushed for 465 yards on 25 attempts. Mason Swift was the leading rusher with 342 yards on 11 carries.

 On the defensive side of the ball Ben Sloat played his finest game and was a dominant force from his linebacker position recording an amazing 19 tackles. Other renegades with multiple tackles in the game included Alex Brennan, Connor Gray, Mitrch Pearse, Mason Swift, Brandon L’Heureux, Cassidy Jones, Jeff Frank, Kyle Clarke and Andrew Weinstein. Mitch Pearse and Cassidy Jones each had a great interception.

The entire coaching staff is extremely proud of the tremendous effort displayed by all the Renegade players.

From the open football camps in the spring, through the summer preliminaries with 50 kids from all sectors of the greater Victoria Minor Football Association  gathering to build a camaraderie, to the results of that camaraderie, shown at Saturday’s triumph – blowing the Abbotsford Falcons out of the running with  hurricane force, now buoys them onward  as Vancouver Island JB Champions to BC Place November 30 to emerge from the Lions’ head against  the Coquitlam Raiders.

– Submitted by Esme Clarke