The St. Paul Bengals bantam football team grabbed its first win of the season at home on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Wainwright WarHawks by a score of 32-6.
It was a "big win" for the young football team, says coach Todd Tanasichuk. "We really needed a win."
The team dropped its first couple of games of the season. Coaches have been working on getting through to the football players that it's going to be a process, says Tanasichuk, noting that for many of the kids this was only their third game of football ever.
The team only has two returning starters.
But, "they're starting to figure it out," says Tanasichuk, who notes that coaches are getting to know the kids better, learning their strengths and arranging them on the field differently.
"It was nice to see that come together."
He adds that the Bengals' offence executed well on Saturday, and the defence is getting stronger every game.
"We play everybody ever game during the regular season," says Tanasichuk. Even though some of the young athletes aren't physically ready to be in the game a lot, getting them on the field helps build confidence as they grow into the sport.
The game itself featured a lot of action in the Bengals' end zone, with Ryan Fodchuk getting a couple touchdowns, Cole Brousseau getting a touchdown, Austin Scrannage getting one, and Tyler Foote finally getting a touchdown that would count on the scoreboard.
Tanasichuk says that while Foote has made it to the end zone a number of times this season, most haven't counted for a variety of reasons. Foote is one of the returning starters with the Bengals and "he's our best threat," says the coach.
Tanasichuk also notes that Luke Pashulka had three interceptions, and "he was a big part of our win." Dorian Tomlinson also had a great game with two interceptions and five tackles.
Next week, the Bengals will travel to Bonnyville to take on a team they struggled against earlier in the season. But, the Bengals are ready for the challenge.
"We're expecting a closer game," says Tanasichuk, adding, from a coaches perspective, the team just keeps getting better every week.
