The Pitt Meadows Marauders senior football team notched a victory in its first game action of the season on Friday with a 24-12 exhibition win over the Langley Saints on the road.
Head coach Matt Todd said he was pleased with his team’s work ethic.
“The kids played hard all game long,” he said. “We played well, and they learned quite a bit.”
The Marauders didn’t waste any time getting started, as they scored on their first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Joe Schuster connected with Rashaun Simonese for an 89-yard touchdown reception.
The Saints pushed back in the second quarter, getting deep into Marauders territory only to be denied as the Marauders defence made two goal line stands to twice prevent Langley from getting on the board.
The Marauders took a 7-0 lead into the second half, and didn’t touch the ball for much of the third quarter. The Saints ate up the clock with an eight-minute opening drive that saw the home team run the ball all the way downfield for a touchdown.
However, the Saints, who don’t have a kicker, opted to go for a two-point convert and were denied by the Pitt defence, leaving the Marauders with a 7-6 lead.
The Marauders offence got to work as running back Tanner Harley scored a touchdown late in the third quarter, and then again early in the fourth to give Pitt Meadows a 21-6 lead.
The Saints managed to air out a pass for a touchdown to cut the Pitt lead to nine points, but a late 15-yard field goal from Pitt kicker Anthony Gagnon put the game out of reach for Langley.
“I think the team took a bit of a step back in the second quarter, but we talked at half time, and I think the O-line really picked it up in the second half,” Todd said.
Schuster was 5-8 for 125 yard passing, and made a number of smart play with his feet
“He ran the ball well,” Todd said. “He made good decisions all day.”
Sergio Cabrera led the defence with seven tackles, while Ryan McFagan and Rashaun Simonese both grabbed interceptions.
“I think we’re looking good,” said Todd. “We had 14 players on this team in the spring and we’re sitting at 28 right now.”
The senior Marauders next face North Vancouver’s Windsor Dukes in exhibition action this Friday, and return home for their home-opener under the lights at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30.
The junior varsity Marauders were also in action on Friday, losing 32-13 to Langley’s junior squad.