For the first time in franchise history, the Prince George Kodiaks are 1-0.
The Kodiaks came back from a 28-13 third quarter deficit to win 39-34 over the Vancouver Island Raiders, much to the delight of a packed Masich Place Stadium.
The comeback started after a big stop by the Kodiaks deep in Raiders territory, forcing a 3rd and 20 situation in the third quarter.
In what was most likely a miscommunication between the Raiders’ coach and first-year quarterback Sadler Smith, the Raiders took a knee on their own two-yard line instead of in the end zone for a safety, turning the ball over on downs.
The play set up a four-yard touchdown run for Kodiaks Quarterback Sawyer Thiessen, his second of two touchdown runs on the day.
“From time to time you see situations like that, I think there was something in a Grey Cup in a few years ago that was similar to that,” said Head Coach Jamie Boreham.
“But we got to capitalize on our opportunities and we really didn’t, we gave ourselves chances and kicked a bunch of field goals, good for our Kicker, we’re solid with Harpoon there, we got to be more consistent, we need to come out faster, and then we need to answer the bell.”
The next offensive play by the Raiders was just as disastrous, as they fumbled a handoff, which the Kodiaks scooped up.
On the ensuing drive, Thiessen found Carson Briere for a touchdown.
Thiessen and Briere connected for three passing touchdowns on the day.
“We found a way to win,” Thiessen said after the game.
“We shot ourselves in the foot too many times, but good teams bounce back after mistakes, we found the fight in us that we’re going to carry through the rest of the season.
It wasn’t a clean game for either team by any means, as both teams took many penalties throughout the game.
“We got a lot of things to clean up,” Boreham said.
“Offense found some rhythm, they found some things, they found some life, defense was inconsistent and we need to do a better job, but when you can find a way to win, even if it’s winning ugly, that’s important.”
The Kodiaks are on the road next week against the Westshore Rebels (1-0).
The Rebels won their week one matchup against the Kamloops Broncos 43-27.
Elsewhere in the BC Football Conference, the Okanagan Sun won 22-15 over the Langley Rams.
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