The Bantam Titans are looking strong winning their home opener with a convincing 50-0 victory.
The Bantams were on the field last Saturday morning to take on Strathmore, a typically strong team. In fact, coach Paul Redmond said the Strathmore Peewee team went to provincials.
Coach Redmond was impressed with the team. One of the keys for the team in getting points on the scoreboard was developing their kicking game. At this level to promote kicking, the league rewards field goals with two points. The Titans were successful on four of six attempts.
“I wanted to improve that part of our games, so we seem to have that working,” he said. Redmond also focused on the passing game.
“This is how teams from smaller towns can compete against the bigger teams is to get our passing game going,” said Redmond.
The Titans scored three touchdowns passing the ball.
On top of the passing game, the Titans were also able to make strong yards on the ground.
Redmond said he planned for more of a power game, but with addition of some speed this season, the team is moving the ball from all positions. Defensively the team is also strong. Despite the lopsided score, he said the defence was challenged.
“Their quarterback could really throw the ball,” said Redmond. “They caught us a couple times on deep passes, but we were there to make the tackle, so that was good.”
He adds one of the team’s focuses on defence was being able to defend the sweep.
“We forced them to do a few things they were not accustomed to,” said Redmond, adding the team as able to adjust and defend Strathmore’s option plays.
The season looks good for the team. Redmond said while they have fewer Grade 9 players than he expected, there is a strong crop of Grade 7 and 8 players.
“We have a couple really shiny Grade 7 players who are already playing at the Bantam level, so it is really good,” said Redmond.
The Bantam Titans are back on the field at home this weekend to play Notre Dame. Game time 11 a.m.
