Joey Payeur
If one is going to defeat a giant, they can’t afford any mistakes.
The Muskie football team learned that lesson the hard way yesterday as turnovers and penalties played a crucial role in their 33-14 loss to the undefeated Elmwood Giants in WHSFL action here.
“Again, penalties and turnovers really hurt us,” said Muskie head coach Mike Cuzzolino.
“It’s not hard having patience when you watch a young group grow,” he explained.
“What I don’t have much patience for is us continuing to make the same mistakes all the time,” Cuzzolino stressed.
“That’s what’s really frustrating.”
Elmwood took advantage of an interception and a fumble by Muskie quarterback Brandon Whitecrow in the first quarter to score twice on a pair of short touchdown runs by running back Shaun Neil.
The second major came after the Muskies had forced Elmwood to punt near midfield, but gave the Giants an automatic first down when Cole Kowalski was flagged for roughing the kicker.
Elmwood racked up 16 more points in the second quarter to lead 30-0 at halftime.
The Muskie defence, playing without defensive tackle Mackenzie Flamand (coaches’ decision), held fast and only gave up a field goal in the second half.
That allowed the black-and-gold to make it a more respectable score in the fourth quarter—thanks to Jacob Bolzan’s 75-yard punt return for a touchdown and Kenton Bowles’ 35-yard scoring jaunt.
On the brink of elimination from playoff contention with two games to go, the Muskies next face the St. John’s Tigers in Winnipeg on Tuesday in a must-win game between two teams tied for ninth place in the Andy Currie Division (one spot out of the post-season).
Fort High’s final home game is set for next Friday (Oct. 17) against the West Kildonan Wolverines.
Game time is at noon.
