The St. Thomas More Knights football team scored early and often en route to a 49-6 victory in Kelowna.
J.J. DesLauriers scored a touchdown on the fourth play of the game on an 84-yard pass and run from quarterback Terrell Jana to set the tone against the Owls at the Apple Bowl on Friday.
Jana passed for 117 yards and added 53 on the ground, including a second score to lead the Knights to their fourth win of the B.C. high school AAA varsity season.
Knights running back Shane Noel added 87 yards and a score, while Massimo Pozzolo chipped in with 45 yards on the ground and one TD.
Demarius Henderson also caught a 33-yard touchdown pass from Liam Feenan.
The Knights’ defense also stood out.
Ben Steele led the way with six tackles and two quarterback sacks, while Spencer Moore had seven individual stops.
Kieran Janes added four tackles and two fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown.
Matt Duda also scored a defensive touchdown on a 38-yard interception – one of two on the night. Duda also had five tackles for STM.
“Tonight was a good team effort,” said STM head coach Bernie Kully. “The challenge tonight was to start fast and stay strong throughout the course of all four quarters. We were able to execute very well on offense, get penetration and tackle well on defense and force fumbles. It was great to see us respond the way we did after last week.”
Last week, STM lost 38-15 to Terry Fox, but kept pace with the top-ranked Ravens with Friday’s road win.
The Knights led 22-0 after the opening quarter.
With the win, STM improved its record to 4-1, while leading the league in total points scored with 200.
Noel currently leads all rushers with 12.93 yards per carry.
This Friday, STM takes on the WJ Mouat Hawks in Abbotsford at 7:30 p.m.
