Peewee
The peewee Cowichan Bulldogs played Nanaimo Legion of Boom Sept. 13 and fell short 24-20.
"It was a hard game that was neck-and-neck all the way through," said coach Kyle Bellis.
Devon Randhawa scored two touchdowns on long passes from Finley Bellis. Ryder Friesen scored on a short run play set up by a pass caught by Noah Atchison from Bellis.
“Our defence had several big stops to keep us close. Everyone played a great game," said the coach. "They’re a very tough team and I’m excited to play them again. When the score is that close, it's always a tough loss, but we’ll learn for it and come back better next week."
On Sept. 20 Cowichan plays host to Oceanside at McAdam Park. Kickoff is 11 a.m.
Junior Bantam
The JB Bulldogs had a chance to grow the game on the weekend and they didn't pass it up. The team was set to play the Campbell River Sea Wolves in Campbell River but the opposing team called head coach Opie Williams and said their new program would just be able to field 12 players but they hoped Cowichan would go play them anyway.
"Coaches decided that this would still be a game for us to play," Williams said. "We need more playing time experience for our players. It was also to support a new club and develop football on the island. I look forward to seeing Campbell River improving in the future as it looks like they have a good foundation to start with."
While Cowichan ultimately won, the Sea Wolves were grateful for the experience, according to a post on social media.
"What an amazing day of football. Cowichan Valley Football Association showed up ready to play and just…WOW! Their sportsmanship and kindness blew us away! Today’s game was focused on having fun and getting our junior bantams more experience on the field. We couldn’t be more grateful."
Week 3 will see Cowichan welcome Oceanside to McAdam Park for a 12:30 p.m. game.
Bantam
The bantam Bulldogs flexed against the Cloverdale Leopards on Sept. 14, beating the Leopards 44-0 on their own home turf despite a long travel day.
Up next for Cowichan is a home game against the Warriors on Sept. 21. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
Midget
The midget Bulldogs travelled to Comox to play the Comox Valley Raiders on Sept. 14. Despite a solid effort, the team fell 44-0 marking their second shutout loss in as many weeks.
"It was an improvement [over last week] but low bodies certainly made for a tough game," said head coach Justin Young. "Players were stepping up for many different positions, some that players have almost no experience playing.
"Going 0-2 is never how you want to start a season but seeing the players develop is a huge moment for us as coaches," Young said. "It wasn't pretty and it was far from perfect but we have the ability to make these games way more competitive and I know our players have the fire to do so. We are looking forward to putting a better game against Comox this coming weekend."
The team looks to rebound on Sept. 21 in a rematch against the Raiders at McAdam Park. Kickoff is 4 p.m.
