Lopsided wins dictate week 1 NS Spring League action (Midget RECAP)

Blowout wins highlighted the first week of play in the Nova Scotia Spring Indoor League.

In action this past Sunday at the East Hants Sports Complex in Lantz, the Halifax Argos crushed the Valley Bulldogs 56-8 while the Timberlea Renegades cruised by the Dartmouth Destroyers 40-7.

The Metro Mustangs enjoyed a bye week.

Here is the complete action from games this past weekend:

HALIFAX ARGOS 56, VALLEY BULLDOGS 8:

On Sunday afternoon, the Halifax Argos began their 2013 spring campaign with a decisive win over the Valley Bulldogs 56-8.

At the half, the Argos enjoyed a 27-0 lead over the Bulldogs.

The Argos enjoyed an offensive explosion on the field and in turn made it a long day for the Bulldogs. Drew Packman and Scott Baigent led the way for the victors.  Packman scored two touchdowns and accumulated 220 yards while Baigent also found the end zone twice and registered 145 yards.  Quarterback Byron Kavanagh connected with Sam Holmes for a 42 yard touchdown reception.  Bradley Petrie (69 yards), David Luke and Kavanagh also scored touchdowns for the Argos.

Defensively for the Argos, Spencer Bennett registered seven tackles and Greg Herritt amassed five tackles and caught two interceptions.  Moreover, Sam Rolfe has five tackles and caught one interception while Nate Adams caught an interception.

While the Argos offensive unit was successful, the team was exposed in other areas and will look to improve on those areas in the coming days.

“Our key to success was our running game,” commented Argos co-head coach Mike Thomson after the game.  “Once the offensive line got moving, they were a force and it allowed our running backs to run in space, allowing them to have a successful day.”

“I was disappointed in our ability to hold on to the ball. Six fumbles is unacceptable and we were lucky to finish the way we did.”

With this win, the Argos is 1-0 on the season while the Bulldogs have a 0-1 record.

As for the Bulldogs, running back Cam Davidson and defensive end Kyle Gordon put in tremendous efforts in the loss.  Bulldogs head coach Stephen Melanson assessed what went wrong for the Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon and what areas of improvement are needed with their game execution plan.

“Halifax which was very well coached and very organized,” said Melanson.  “The Valley played well for brief moments but could not seem to sustain drives and from a defensive stand point, although we had five turnovers, the overall function of the team was never as a unit.”

“We had great efforts from Cam Davidson at running back and from defensive end Kyle Gordon. We as a team all need to be on the same page. I know the coaches will get together this week go over the game and get the kids ready to play next week. We are a very young team and we will improve each week that I am sure of.”

The Valley Bulldogs will look to get their first win of the season as they take on the Dartmouth Destroyers on Saturday April 13, 2012 at 2:30pm at East Hants Sports Complex.  Meanwhile, the Halifax Argos will enjoy a bye this upcoming week.

TIMBERLEA RENEGADES 40, DARTMOUTH DESTROYERS 7:

On Sunday evening, the Timberlea Renegades had little trouble with the Dartmouth Destroyers.  The Renegades defeated the Destroyers 40-7.

At the half, the Renegades enjoyed a 24-0 lead over their opponents.

Hayden Clarke and Nate Rostek led offensively for the victors.  As for the Renegades defense, it was led by Donovan Blue, Nick Tzaneteas, Jack Chiasson and Zack Leger.

With this win, the Renegades have a 1-0 record on the season while the Destroyers are 0-1 to start the season.

Overall, the Renegades put forth a strong effort on the field.

“I was very pleased with the passion and commitment by our team,” commented Renegades head coach Alan Wetmore after the win.  “I am happy that although we have a small roster as usual, we have a roster of real football players that have committed themselves 100 percent to the game and the team.”

“I felt that the defense swarmed to the ball very well and the team hustled and played hard.”

While decisive in their victory, there is room for improvement for the Renegades.

“We need to improve our pre snap recognition and applying the proper techniques to what we see pre-snap,” assessed Wetmore.  “Although I just commented on their commitment to the team is 100 percent, I believe that we can take that commitment to maybe 110 percent.”

“In formats like this, sometimes the “me” can show up more than it does in the fall. I stress to them for spring to devote themselves to improve individually, but yet still I would like to see the team come first just a little bit more than it is.”

The Timberlea Renegades will be gunning for their second win of the season when they play the Metro Mustangs on Saturday April 13, 2012 at 11:00am.  Meanwhile, the Dartmouth Destroyers, in search of their first win of the season, will battle the Valley Bulldogs on Saturday April 13, 2012 at 2:30pm.

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