For a sport that requires 33 different positions, one injured knee can still make a significant difference.
That’s what the South Delta Sun Devils found out on Saturday in their 20-6 home field loss to the New West Hyacks in Western AAA Conference play that also doubled up as the annual Bill Kushnir Boot rivalry game.
The hard-hitting affair was nothing close to last year’s two meetings which saw the Hyacks produce 115 points in a pair of wins, including a 52-45 triumph in the provincial semi-finals.
First downs were hard to come by this time, never mind points.
South Delta was trailing 7-6 in the second quarter when hopes of a potential big win took a significant hit.
Quarterback Ben McDonald was injured on a two-point conversion attempt near the goalline. The Grade 11 standout tried to return right through to the early stages of the third quarter. However it was evident he had difficulty trying to even set-up to throw, never mind any kind of mobility.
To say offensive coordinator Mark McDonald was now somewhat restricted in his play calling would be a mild understatement.
The Sun Devils had no choice but to run a “wildcat” offence with receiver Ethan Troniak at quarterback before making way for junior varsity starter Hunter Norman — putting the Grade 10 in a difficult situation to say the least.
South Delta would not see the red zone again and an interception for a touchdown in the third quarter all but sealed the win for the Hyacks.
McDonald’s status will be determined later this week as the Sun Devils face another big task — this time at O’Hagen Field next Saturday against Vancouver College.
“The initial prognosis is no tears. We will assess him throughout the week. He has to be good for at least one practice with some contact,” said head coach Ray Moon. “He is a tough individual and when he tells us he is good to go then he will be. And if there is a parent concern (assistant coach) Bruce (McDonald) will be right there too and let us know.”
With several other players also banged up, it already has Moon and his staff looking at how October could unfold, even with a 1-2-0 record.
It’s likely going to take three wins to qualify for the provincial playoffs.
That sets the stage for two pivotal games against Handsworth (1-3) and Seaquam (1-2) over the next three weeks where they need to be close to full health as possible. South Delta will then host Notre Dame (3-0) Oct. 27 and will get an additional bye with winless Belmont poised to fold after forfeiting this week.
“It hurts to be 1-2 right now and I think next week is going to be tough. VC is playing some good football,” said Moon. “Basically, we are looking at the overall picture and three wins should get us into the playoffs. With Belmont potentially folding, that (extra) bye might be a good thing right before the playoffs but we got a lot a work ahead of us just to get there first.”
The Sun Devils’ did a terrific job against the Hyacks’ usually explosive ground attack but were burned through the air on both their majors, including an athletic 29-yard grab by Ajay Chol on a 3rd and 25 play to open the scoring.
New West quarterback Kinsale Philip, who was also not 100 percent, connected again with Chol, this time from 16-yards out, before halftime.
South Delta’s lone major came on a 29-yard pass from McDonald to Troniak. Andrew Kraft rushed for 42 yards and also had a dominant game at defensive end.
