After a close six-point loss to the defending champions last weekend, it’s important the Westshore Rebels look ahead and not behind as they prepare for the Kamloops Broncos, says the local B.C. Football Conference team’s head coach J.C. Boice.
The standings read Rebels 2-1 and Broncos 0-3, but Boice knows full well what a second-straight trip to the Okanagan entails after a 27-21 setback to the 3-0 Sun, a team the Broncos scored 30 points against back in Week 1.
“This is a trap game if there ever is one. They’re 0-3 and very hungry. Their place is a tough place to play. They’re young, but they’re well coached. They do a lot of unique things on offence and defence,” said Boice, with a hint of concern in his voice.
In midst of three away games, the Rebels need to get through tonight’s matchup with another two points in the bank.
“We’ve got to get up at 4:30 in the morning, catch a 7 a.m. ferry and drive for hours on a bus and play in a hostile environment. It’s another great opportunity for our kids to take a step in mental maturity and toughness, but I think we’re going to do it,” said Boice.
“The schedule is not friendly, but to be the best you have to beat the best, wherever. We would love to have that Sun game over again. There were just a lot of things we didn’t do well, that we would like to have back and now we have a chance to travel and make up for it.”
Mental lapses, especially early, cost the Rebels as they fell behind the Sun 17-0 before fighting back.
Scott Borden, who had a huge performance in the win over the V.I. Raiders the week previous, completed just 4-of-10 passes for 38 yards and tossed an interception against the Sun.
He was replaced by Ashton Mackinnon, who completed 8-of-19 passes for 153 yards and a score on a 45-yard strike to Kain Melchior. Mackinnon also ran five times for 33 yards. Melchior finished with three catches for 66 yards and Brandon Ihaza, who injured a hamstring in Week 1, caught three passes for 74 yards.
On the ground, Jamel Lyles ran 13 times for 121 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown.
Westshore’s Kent Hicks was named defensive player of the week after recording five tackles, one assist and a quarterback sack.
Asked who will start at QB, Boice was mum.
“We can win with either one. It’s a competition every day. They both do things that we ask them to do, they just have to do it more consistently,” Boice said of his quarterbacks. “QB play was sub-par last week and that’s on me and the staff.”
Mackinnon also wasn’t sharing the game plan as they prepared for Kamloops.
“No comment,” he said with a laugh, choosing to focus on team play. “We have to come out more mentally tough. I have to get back to being mechanically and fundamentally sound. I know what I have to work on and talking to J.C., we have the same list of things I need to improve on.
“It’s all about how we respond. We have to work hard this week,” added Mackinnon. “I think most of us know it, we didn’t play our best on offence or defence. I know, personally, I didn’t play a very good game. In reviewing film we saw the mistakes we need to fix and come back for next time.”
The Broncos have lost to Langley (51-7), the Sun (45-30) and to the Raiders (37-14).
