Valley Huskers face an even bigger challenge this weekend as they host the unbeaten Okanagan Sun
CHILLIWACK — After his team clicked on all cylinders but had a few too many penalties and miscues in their season-opening win over Kamloops last weekend, Valley Huskers coach Bob Reist talked about limiting mistakes and the need to clean up a few things.
They’ll have to smooth out those edges when they take on the undefeated Okanagan Sun, who came from behind in the second half to overtake Vancouver Island 31-24 in week 2, this Saturday, August 3 at Exhibition Stadium in Chilliwack. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
Sun quarterback Liam Kroeger came off the bench and completed 12 of 15 passes (80 per cent) for 243 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown bomb to Nick Dielissen, in their win over Vancouver Island. Elelyon Noa got the job done in the trenches, scoring three touchdowns on 15 carries for 98 yards.
“This is a big test for us this week,” said Coach Reist. “The Sun are a very good football team in all aspects of the game. These are the types of games we need to win to get to where we want to be. I think our group is ready to rise to the challenge. It should be a great game.”
The Huskers will counter with their own arsenal of weapons led by quarterback Tyran Duval, who recorded 21 completions, including five touchdown passes amid 332 total passing yards, and running back Jawad Harb, who rushed 14 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Steven Koniuck hauled in six catches for 130 yards and four TDs, while Luc Rodrigues became a primary target of Duval with five receptions for 101 yards.
Coach Reist is bolstered by a deep coaching staff that includes wide receiver coach Ryk Piché, who recently stepped down as the varsity football coach at G.W. Graham.
“To be honest, I really love coaching at this level,” said Piché. “It’s great football, the game is faster, has bigger hits, and is all around a great product.”