Points off turnovers often decide football games.
The Springbank Phoenix found that out last week, as they shutout the George McDougall Mustangs 28-0 in Rocky View Sports Association football action Sept. 17 in Springbank.
Four fumble recoveries and an interception led to all of Springbank’s scoring drives.
“There were a lot of turnovers in the whole game,” said Phoenix head coach Tony Lucas. “We caused a lot, but we had a lot ourselves too. We were, however, able to take advantage of some of theirs.”
“There were a lot of little mistakes, including a number of miscues on snaps to the quarterback,” said Mustangs’ head coach Brent Legault. “Other than that, we were right in it. But you have to give Springbank full credit. They came with a dynamic defence.”
After a scoreless first quarter, the Mustangs fumbled on its own 20-yard line, with less than six minutes left in the second, setting up a one-yard touchdown run by Phoenix quarterback Joel Stagg. George Mac then fumbled again, which led to a Springbank trick play and touchdown to go up 14-0 at the half.
“It took us a long time to get going offensively, but it was another really good defensive performance, which gave us the time to get the offence together and score some points,” Lucas said.
“The last three minutes of that second quarter is the only way they got that lead and then we were in a hole,” Legault said. “That fumble in our own end right before the half was costly, as they then ran a halfback option pass and our defensive back bit on it. They did what good coaching does – take advantage of some of our newer players and the mistakes.”
The Mustangs’ best chance at the scoreboard came midway through the third quarter, but they missed a 30-yard field goal attempt. A fumble on its next possession then setup a Phoenix 10-yard touchdown reception by Jordan Perrault-McLean.
Springbank running back Ben Bassett then broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run with 3:39 left in the fourth to close the game.
“(Bassett) is the fastest guy on the team and we finally got him loose tonight,” Lucas said.
“And Stagg is like having an offensive coordinator on the field. It took him awhile to get settled today, but once he did, we were all good. We had some drops and felt like we could’ve scored more points.
“But I’m really happy with our performance, especially in the second half. I think those guys are bigger than we are, but we outplayed them physically.”
Mustangs’ starting running back Alex Smith left the game during the second quarter, which affected Legault’s gameplan, although he said his quarterback Jordan McKenzie played well enough to keep them in the game.
“He was averaging about 10-15 yards per carry, so he is a big playmaker for us,” Legault said of Smith.
“And I would like to see them move the ball a little bit better, but (McKenzie) kept his head in the game, which really helped the other guys. They stuck with it and didn’t give up – and I love that. I’m always proud of these guys.”
In other RVSA football action, the Cochrane Cobras beat the Bert Church Chargers 43-7 (see page 22) and Bow Valley beat Chestermere 37-1.
Chestermere will visit Bert Church on Sept. 24 at 5 p.m., with Bow Valley at Springbank at the same time. Cochrane will head to Airdrie to face George McDougall on Sept. 25 at 12 p.m.
