The Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) Mohawks hosted the Tisdale Tornadoes in North East nine-man football action on October 1, but they weren't very amicable to their visitors.
As in their previous game, the hosts gave the ball to their opponents on the opening kick-off. This time, the Tornadoes were able to put together a couple of first downs with bruising inside running, but when the drive stalled, the potent Mohawk offence took to the field.
Jordan Gerwing was meticulous in putting together a three-play drive to the end zone, capped off by a Josh Giddings 33-yard scamper.
After that point, the Mohawks didn't look back, piling up points en route to a comfortable 44-6 half-time lead.
"We were pleased with the jump the offence had," said kicking and quarterbacks coach Mike Suchan. "You know, we finished drives and our convert game was much more effective. (Chase) Unger, (Ryan) Stumborg and Gerwing spent a lot of time after practice last week on that and it paid off."
In addition to the effective placekicking, the oft-used Mohawk kick cover team did a good job of hemming the Tornadoes deep.
A swarming defence that sacked the Tisdale quarterback four times in the first half alone translated into good field position for the offence.
"Hey, we really got after their quarterback didn't we," smiled defensive co-ordinator Brian Hinz. "(Jordan) Hilgers and (Aaron) Turchyn got some sacks and our pressure forced some errant throws."
Merit Meyer was the recipient of one of those passes as he returned an interception to the Tisdale seven-yard-line. Ryan Stumborg turned the miscue into points as he punched the ball in between the posts on the next play from scrimmage.
The second half saw Clayton Parobec and Gavin Paulsen patch together groups of younger players to be pressed into the game.
The two coaches were generally pleased with the performance of the reserves.
"We got after the rookies about assignments and intensity," said Parobec, "and they responded. Treyton Luker ripped off a long run on the next possession."
Other Mohawks with touchdowns were Drew Thiemann, Josh Giddings with four, and Gerwing, who galloped 57 yards after a quarterback sneak opened up in front of him.
Final score: 63-27 for HCI.
Head coach Shaun Gardiner reflected on the 63-27 victory,.
"I was pleased with the intensity and aggressiveness of our linebacker play. And Braden Richards had a very good game. He tackled well."
Looking ahead to next week Gardiner commented, "Now we have to prepare ourselves mentally for a strong Comets team on Monday. They played right with Foam Lake."
After the Melfort road game on Monday, the Mohawks travel to Wynyard in another key game to determine final rankings.
