The Humboldt Collegiate Mohawks scored early and often as they routed the Tisdale Tornados 48-7 on their home field on Oct. 6.
The Mohawks offense scored their first touchdown less than two minutes into the game, and were ahead 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
The Mohawks added 25 more points in the second quarter, and another in the third quarter to lead 40-0 by the end of the third quarter.
The Tornados finally got on the board in the fourth quarter but another Mohawks touchdown put the game away.
Early in the game, the Mohawks running game was flying as they scored three first half touchdowns on the ground, and managed a number of long runs.
Mohawks head coach Cory Popoff admitted establishing the run was part of their gameplan early, and said a lot of the credit for the success of the running game comes down to the offensive line.
“A couple weeks ago we were missing blocks, we weren’t snapping the ball properly so we weren’t getting the time in the back field. But it’s definitely our offensive line and our slot backs coming down and doing their jobs properly.”
The Mohawks finished the game with seven touchdowns, and said a lot of their offensive success as a whole was a direct result of the players executing.
Defensively the Mohawks were solid as well as they forced a number of turnovers, and allowed just the one touchdown against, which was a result of the players getting more comfortable and more experienced, noted Popoff.
“They definitely read the plays just like we coached them all week and they watched the video, they were able to break it down and they understand just a little bit more of what their roles and responsibilities are on the field.”
With the Mohawks building up a big lead, they were also able to bring in a number of their younger players to give them some added experience, which will only benefit the squad in the coming years, Popoff said.
“We can’t lose sight at the end of this season but we’re certainly hopeful for next season. Our younger squad, our grade 10s and 11s, they’re really developing well and they will be a force to be reckoned with should they have a good offseason in the weight room.”
The Mohawks now turn their attention to the Melfort Comets, who blasted the Mohawks 58-14 on Sept. 22.
The Mohawks will be out for revenge when they travel to Melfort on Oct. 13, and Popoff expects a totally different team to show up, noting that their offense is a lot smoother and the players understand the blocking schemes a lot better.
“The only thing that will really breakdown on us is if we lose those one-on-one battles on the line of scrimmage. We’re looking forward to it, we’re going to prep to do our best against Melfort and win. But at the end of the day as long as we grow as a team after every competition, win, lose, or draw we’re going to get better for it.”
Heading into that contest Popoff notes the Comets present a significant challenge because they are a big team, but says his team will be ready.
“The only way to beat size is just some great timing, great chip blocking and just speed. If we execute our plays like I know we can we should be able to get a step on those guys.”
