The Shuswap Colts Pee Wee Football Team punched their ticket to the Southern Interior Football Conference Championship game in a hard fought 38-22 victory over the Vernon Magnums on Sunday. It was a game best described as a heavyweight title fight, with the Colts and Magnums both playing hard from the opening kick-off to the final whistle.
The Colts offence was led by running back Ryan Berke and quarterback Vaughn MacManamna. Berke shouldered the load on the offensive side, scoring four touchdowns and earning tough yards every time he carried the ball. McManamna threw for one touchdown in 50 km/hr winds and fought through injury to lead his team on six touchdown drives. The Shuswap team also enjoyed strong contributions from Jonah Rivette, who scored his fourth touchdown of the year.
Defensively, the Colts had their hands full with the Vernon quarterback, who scored all six touchdowns Vernon scored this season in two Magnum-versus- Colts football games. The Shuswap team showed their resolve, consistently punishing the Vernon ball carriers. Led by defensive back Dom Kemitzis, the Colts hit hard every chance they had.
The Colts look to continue their phenomenal season Sunday in the SIFC finals match-up against the only team that has beat them this season – the Kelowna Lions. In what looks to be an exciting match-up, the Colts and Lions will play for the championship in Kelowna.
Down to wire
The Salmon Arm Chargers rolled over the Vernon Magnums 56-0 in semi-final play on Sunday at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops. The game was played under challenging cold and windy conditions. The Charger offence scored at will with quarterback Jayden Mourato, player of the game, running for three touchdowns and passing for three. The Chargers’ defence played impossibly strong, allowing only one first down for Vernon in the entire game and forcing numerous turnovers.
The Chargers and Lions have lost and won against each other this season with only the slimmest of points between them, giving the Chargers first place. The Chargers face the Kelowna Lions in the Interior championship game Sunday at Little Mountain at 2 p.m.