St. Vital Mustangs head coach Derek Mills has spent his entire life around the game of football. A Transcona Nationals and Winnipeg Hawkeyes alum, he’s given back to the game as a coach over the last two decades. Until last Friday however, one thing he didn’t done during his illustrious career – which includes an MMJFL championship from 2016 – was beat the East Side Eagles. That came to an end in week two of the 2021 season, as Mills’ St. Vital Mustangs knocked off the three-time defending champs (split between Transcona and East Side) 31-25 on the road under the lights.
The story in this one was St. Vital’s ability to stymy a potent Eagles offensive attack, led by first-year pivot Carter Kutzan, who was a standout during Winnipeg Rifles camp this year. Frequent pressure from the likes of former Laurier Golden Hawks commit Ray Cruz, Mac Dueck and Zach Carpenter led to Kutzan scrambling early and often, surrendering numerous sacks. The Mustangs offence then took advantage of solid field position, scoring their first major – a two-yard romp from charismatic running back Jeremy Gillis – thanks to a turnover on downs.
The visitors never trailed, padding their lead to nine at the end of the first on a field goal set up by an Easton Montour interception. They made it 17-0 on a 30-yard Ethan Thacker score, the first of many big plays for the receiver, who led all players in catches and yards.
East Side – who was playing without last year’s Offensive MVP Danny Harris and also lost key playmakers Jonathan Krieg and Will Reimer to injuries – kept the game competitive throughout. Their best player on either side of the ball was veteran receiver Isaac Henry, who enters his last season of eligibility in 2021. He scored the team’s first two majors, showcasing his trademark route-running abilities and elusiveness on both. Henry’s second score made the score 17-13 with 2:12 to go, however that’s as close as the hosts would get, as Mustangs pivot Peter LeClair perfectly executed the two-minute drill right after, closing out the drive with a second touchdown toss to Thacker.
The tilt featured a friendly amount of chirping back and forth, and the energy and physicality were high all game long. This is to be expected for two teams that’ve cemented themselves at the top of the mountain over the last decade in the league. They have a healthy and fun rivalry that’ll continue this Saturday at 3 pm at Mustangs field. If St. Vital wins, they’ll have essentially wrapped up top spot in the league standings, while East Side is battling to take that honour away.
In out of town action, Westman got their first victory of the season with a 23-4 win over St, James. The two squads will meet again this Saturday at Rods field.