By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)
Feature photo: Nick Martens post-game following his team’s shutout of the Rods.
The East Side Eagles (4-0) scored 23 points in the second quarter, which was enough to pace them to a 37-0 victory over the St. James Rods (1-3) this past weekend at Rods field.
The story of the contest was turnovers and field position. The Eagles got out to a 7-0 lead, scoring on their opening possession courtesy of a Bryson McNeil touchdown pass. Then, veteran defensive back Nick Martens recovered the ensuing kickoff and East Side capitalized on the following play to move up by two scores.
“I wasn’t even supposed to be on kickoff, I was filling in for someone else,” a consistently upbeat Martens said postgame.
“I came downfield and the ball was laying there half on my hand and was like alright, sweet boys.”
Down 14-0, the Rods upped their tempo. Versatile running back/receiver/returner Nate King-Wilson fought hard for some tough yards all throughout the first quarter while quarterback Nathan Leitao was able to move the chains with some effective mid-range passing.
But the Eagles defence kept their composure, getting a key third down stop along the way to enter the second frame with a two score lead.
That’s when the rails started to come off for the Rods, as they got two bad breaks in a row in punting situations.
First, Riley Tougas’ kick went off the side of his foot, setting up East Side deep in St. James territory. Then on the next drive, an intended punt was blocked. The Eagles were able to capitalize with majors in both situations and went into the break up 37-0, which was enough for the W.
Both defences also picked up the intensity as the game went along, with rising star Luc Jeanson recording a pick six for the Eagles, while Trey Garlinski also had an interception for the Rods.
“He’s really coming in good as a rookie,” Martens said of Jeanson’s performance this season. “He transitioned from a linebacker to safety and he’s just been really good for us.”
In out of town action, the St. Vital Mustangs were able to bump their record up to 3-1 with a 26-13 victory over the 0-4 Westman Wolverines.
Week six sees just one game being played, as the Rods host the Mustangs at 3 p.m. on the 21st.