Photo Courtesy: Chuck Chin

By Ethan Ready

Kodiaks lose 35-20 to Kamloops

Broncos hand Kodiaks loss in front of sold-out crowd at Masich Place Stadium

Aug 8, 2022 | 4:26 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Masich Place Stadium was sold out for Saturday’s Prince George Kodiaks home opener, as they took on the Kamloops Broncos in what might turn out to be the first chapter in a new rivalry between the two clubs.

The Broncos ended up playing spoiler, however, handing the Kodiaks their second loss of the season in a 35-20 final in front of what was otherwise an electric crowd that cheered on the newest team in the BC Football Conference right from the opening kickoff.

Both teams looking for their first win of the season and the Broncos get out to an early lead as Cam Gregorcyzk, following a number of first-down runs, ran for the opening score to put the Broncos ahead 7-0.

But the Kodiaks responded a few drives later. Running back Keanu Brown received a handoff from quarterback Liam Oczkowski, was caught behind traffic behind the line of scrimmage but quickly bounced it out towards the far sideline and making history as he rumbled for a 49-yard touchdown. The score goes down as the first major in Kodiaks history and knotted the scoreboard up, 7-7.

Taber, Alta., named Hockeyville winner over Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

1h ago

Spruce Kings 4 Rivermen 2

Spruce Kings scored four unanswered to even playoffs series against Langley

2h ago

B.C. Mining

B.C. mineral claims processing time still falling short, industry says

3h ago

Broncos re-established their lead shortly after. After getting pinned at their own 2-yard line, quarterback Reid Vankoughnett marched his offence downfield and found Colton Meikle on an out route along the goal-line to go up 14-7 before the end of the first quarter.

In the second, a deep ball from Vankoughnett to PG-product Chris Finden put the Broncos on the doorstep of the end zone to punch the ball. Gregorcyzk plunged in untouched for his second touchdown of the game. The score extended their lead to 21-7.

But Prince George was sure to respond.

Oczkowski found a big connection downfield of his own, connecting with Andrew Brown for a deep pass. The completion was followed up by a dump to running back Turner Jean-Baptiste, which brought the Kodiaks down to the goal line. Andrew Johnson punched the ball in for the score as the receiver came in under centre for short-yardage duties.

The score bit into the Broncs’ lead to send both teams into halftime with a score of 21-14.

In the second half, Finden took a receiver sweep to the far side of the field, beat the Kodiaks’ angles, and scampered in for the touchdown, tacking on more points for the Broncos. The product of Prince George finished the game with 126 all-purpose yards.

In the fourth quarter, Vankoughnett connected with Kaleb Senz for another Kamloops touchdown. the reception was one of Senz’s four receptions on the night for 102 yards.

A steep climb for the Kodiaks, but Oczkowski showed off his ability to hit the deep ball. The slinger threw the ball 35 yards into the endzone, connecting with former College Heights Cougar Jerome Erickson for the Kodiaks’ first passing touchdown.

Oczkowski finished the game completing 14 of 26 attempts for 215 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

But that would do it for scoring as the Broncos spoil the Kodiaks’ home opener, coming to town and handing PG a 35-20 loss.

Prince George goes to 0-2 on the season while the Broncos improve to 1-1. The Kodiaks will be on the road next, heading back to Chilliwack for a rematch against the Valley Huskers on Saturday, August 13th.

The Kodiaks and Huskers will return to Prince George on August 20th for the next game at Masich Place Stadium.