Missed tackles and blown assignments were the main culprit in a game that saw the Kodiaks allow a season high 48 points

By Tommy Osborne

PG Kodiaks

Kodiaks suffer third straight blowout as defense falters

Aug 10, 2024 | 11:09 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It was a rough homecoming for the Prince George Kodiaks, who were certainly hoping to get back into the win column following two blowouts on the road. Instead, the losing streak extended to three games, and the Kodiaks now find themselves at 1-3 on the season following a 48-28 loss against the Valley Huskers.

“We’re not filling the right gaps, we’re getting blocked in ways we shouldn’t, and we’re tackling shoelaces. We couldn’t tackle tonight,” said Kodiaks Head Coach Jamie Boreham.

“You can’t give up that many points in a football game and expect to win a game,” he continued.

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“It wasn’t the result we wanted. But we’re going to come back hard and practice as we get ready for Okanagan,” added Kodiaks D-linemen Jason Kragt.

Defense, or lack thereof, has been plaguing the Kodiaks all season. The last three games saw the team allow 34, 42, and 45 points respectively. While there are certainly bright spots, such as several forced two-and-outs and an interception, the 48 points allowed to the Huskers marks a season high in points allowed.

“28 points is enough to win a football game in this league,” Boreham said.

The Kodiaks had a promising start to the game, as an opening drive touchdown gave the team an early lead, which it would hang onto as it would later match a Husker’s touchdown with a fieldgoal to make it 10-7. It was all downhill from there though, as the Huskers dominated to gain a 28-10 lead before the half. The Kodiaks would manage to turn an interception with a minute left in play in the second quarter into a touchdown to cut the lead down to 11 points, but unfortunately the game was never in reach once the Huskers built up that 18 point lead.

“We got to improve in a bunch of areas, so we gotta get back in film and kind of figure out where we’re missing on some things and figure out… you know, we gotta make some changes,” Boreham said.

It wasn’t all negatives though, as Quarterback Sawyer Thiessen put together a solid performance that saw him show off his ability to scramble for big gains and extend plays in the pocket, and the offense also saw its first rushing score by a runningback all season.

“It’s huge, and there’s nothing those boys up front (o-linemen) feed off more than a nice running attack. So yeah, getting that run game going helped us a lot today,” Thiessen said on the Kodiaks’ rushing offense.

“We just kept battling and you got to win the individual battles, and so being able to rely on the guys and seeing the blood, the sweat, the tears, it’s awesome. And you know what? We didn’t come out with the win. But there was compete today,” Thiessen added, when asked about what positives he saw despite the loss.

While the Kodiaks certainly battled to the very end, it will take more than just effort to get back in the win column, and the team has several ideas on how to accomplish that.

“Two things: trusting your guys behind you and in front of you to do their job. And then just making sure tackles, finishing the play, off and getting ready for the next play,” Kragt said.

“We’re gonna have to look at some young guys, give them some opportunities, and see if they want to step up and and rise up to the occasion,” Boreham said.

The Kodiaks next game will be on the road, as the team will travel to take on the Okanagan Sun on August 17.

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