Rebels open season with lopsided win

The Victoria Rebels started the B.C. Football Conference season with a big bang in Chilliwack yesterday, thumping the Huskers 55-27.

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It was a huge win, said coach John Cardilicchia. “Everyone contributed. It was just a real good team win.” Cardilicchia contrasted the performance with the team’s 45-24 preseason loss to the Vancouver Island Raiders last weekend. “They played a lot grittier, and a lot sharper than they did in the Nanaimo game.” The Rebels led 34-7 at the half, and rookie quarterback Nick Cobb demonstrated his ability to guide the team this season. Cobb began the scoring with a 40-yard pass to Kyle Pich, then added TD throws to Sam Adu and Dallas Holynk, as well as running one in himself before the half.
“Nick Cobb was amazing,” Cardilicchia said. “He was just precision.” Cat Todorovich ably replaced Cobb in the second half. The Rebels unloaded the bench and the defence and special teams took a turn putting points on the board.
In the third quarter, the Huskers narrowed the score to 38-13 thanks to a couple of nice passes from Chilliwack pivot Clayton Kroeker. Kroeker tried again, but was picked off by Rebels defensive back Eddie Charles, who proceeded to return it 65 yards for a touchdown.
Returning a punt, Victoria’s Andre Skinner took the ball another 65 yards, down to the one, and fullback Rob Ramsey bulldozed in for another Rebels major.
Second-year kicker and punter Quinn Van Gylswyk added to the mix with four field goals, including a 53-yarder, and two singles.
The Rebels play their first home game of the season Saturday at 4 p.m. against the Kamloops Broncos at Bear Mountain Stadium.

By Sharie Epp, Times Colonist

Picture: Nick Cobb