It’s not the central focus, but the shutout streak that St. Thomas More has compiled over three games of B.C. AAA football play is beginning to gain attention.
On the heels of last Friday’s 28-0 triumph over the Kelowna Owls, the Knights are feeling pretty confident these days as they head into Week 2 of the regular season.
Admittedly, keeping the shutout string going is insignificant in the whole picture, but head coach Steve De Lazzari said the players are feeling pretty good about it.
“It’s a testament to their football IQ, and how many of them are able to read the play and understand the adjustments as the play is going on,” said De Lazzari. “I’d say our defence takes a lot of pride in that.”
Among the defensive studs have been nose tackle Sam Steele, who collared 10 tackles last week, including four quarterback sacks, and two-way powerhouse Tyler Eckert, who racked up four QB sacks as well as 120 yards rushing. Contributing eight tackles was Jonah Fridfinnson.
“(Steele) was very much a dominating force and continues to be tough to block out,” said De Lazzari. “(Eckert) is so fast when he’s coming off the edge that other teams can’t hold him.”
For the third straight time, More opened the scoring on their first drive, a lengthy march ending with Eckert carrying it in from five yards. Quarterback Dario Ciccone completed nine of 14 pass attempts, hitting Fridfinnson with a 24-yard TD throw.
Michael Simone rounded out the scoring on a 50-yard punt return.
The Knights have outscored the opposition 100-0 so far, with Centennial lining up tonight (Friday) as the next test. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. at Coquitlam’s Percy Perry Stadium.
