As season openers go, you couldn’t ask for much more than a 28-6 win over a long-standing rival.
The St. Thomas More Knights kicked off the 2016 senior football schedule by topping the Notre Dame Jugglers 28-6, thanks to a three-touchdown performance from Grade 11 rusher Tyler Eckert.
A second-year player, Eckert carved out 115 yards and scored three times, then tallied seven tackles and two quarterback sacks to lead a well-rounded outing by the Burnaby school.
“It was a nice way to start off the season,” STM coach Bernie Kully said. “Lots of guys played well tonight and we hope that is a sign of things to come as the season is a long road.”
The Knights, unranked to open the season, had plenty of motivation in play against the No. 5-seeded Jugglers.
Continuing a streak that goes back to 2010, STM improved to 8-0 against their fellow Catholic school rival in a match-up that has launched the last three seasons.
Eckert scored the game’s first two majors, both in the second quarter, as STM led 14-0 at the half. Mateo Cateri scrambled for 55 yards rushing and a TD, and Eckert added his third score.
Quarterback Kolby Buljevic passed for 40 yards and ran for 52 to round out the offence, while Mateo Morreira tacked on seven tackles while Ethan Austin and Matteo Montagliani picked up six apiece.
“We as a staff were pretty happy with our effort and energy (Friday),” noted Kully. “We were fortunate to benefit from some turnovers and field position.”
Next up for STM is newly No. 1-ranked Vancouver College, who topped Terry Fox.
