With strong defence in the second half and a great running game last week, the Humboldt Collegiate Institute football team kept their record spotless.
At halftime on Oct. 2, the Mohawks led Tisdale by just a touchdown 21-14. The Mohawks shut out the Tornadoes in the second half, while its offence, led by the run game, piled up points. HCI triumphed 51-14 at Glenn Hall Park to improve to 4-0.
“In the second half we made some key adjustments on defence. … Just getting tougher on the field defensively was the key,” HCI head coach Cory Popoff said.
The win over Tisdale was the Mohawks’ final regular season home game. The squad now takes to the road for two games. On Thursday, the Mohawks head to Nipawin. They close out the regular season on Oct. 23 against Melfort, who has yet to lose this year.
“Whether we are on the road or at home, we have to make plays,” Popoff said.
The Mohawks’ offence was definitely making plays last week. Running back Jacob Zimroz ran for two second half touchdowns.
“Our offensive line made sure he had lanes to run through. … He did run, let me tell you. Sometimes he just ran through people. It was a joy to watch as a coach,” Popoff said of Zimroz, a strong north-south runner.
Tanner Gerwing had three touchdowns against Tisdale, while Morgan Gobeil and Tyson Hergott also scored. The Mohawks scored six rushing touchdowns. The game demonstrated the depth of HCI’s rushing attack, which also includes Genesis Legaspi.
The victory also showed the dominance of the HCI offensive line. Popoff praised the work of offensive line coach Jamie Zaluski who has gotten the men in the trenches to be technically sound and also to adjust when and where needed. As well as paving the way for the Mohawks’ running game, O-lineman like Ethan Paslowski, Jordan Seipp, Cody Weyland, and Jarod Dredhart also buy time for agile quarterback Landon Seipp to make plays.
With defensive back Jared Giddings injured, defensive secondary coach Tom Schwinghamer successfully made adjustments, Popoff noted. They played a role as the Mohawks were able to shut out the Tornadoes in the second half.
Junior Success
The HCI junior football team triumphed over Delisle by a large margin. The squad, made up of Grade 9 and 10 athletes, has impressed this season.
“They are growing and developing as football players. … They have had such a great start with their high school football careers. We are so thrilled with their play,” Popoff said.
