Jr Varsity battle hard in exhibition loss to Ballenas 38-0

Friday’s exhibition game between the WVSS Junior Varsity Highlanders and the Junior Varsity Ballenas Whalers was a tough physical game and the score was not indicative of the battle by the JV Highlanders. Although outscored 34-0 for Ballenas the lopsided score that didn’t really tell the picture accurately. The coaches and the Highlander players knew it was going to be a physical battle as the Ballenas Whalers run a strong ground and pound attack. The coaches asked our athletes to come out and be physical and maintain that intensity for a solid four (4) quarters as the Ballenas physical attack does not let up.

The Highlanders did miss some opportunities early on offence with key dropped passes and mental mistakes that could have led to an early lead for the JV Highlanders.  Three (3) key plays by Ballenas including a couple play action passes led to the two (2) first half touchdowns the JV Whalers. Outside of those three (3) plays, the JV Highlander defense played very hard and forced the JV Whalers to play error free and grind their way downfield.

As the second half wore on, the JV Highlanders lack of numbers on the bench began to turn into a deciding factor as the team tired out and started making some mental errors. Unfortunately, The JV Whalers seized the opportunity when these miscues occurred and began piling on the score ending the second half with three (3) unanswered touchdowns.

On a positive note, Head Coach Currie notes that the JV Highlander offensive line played a heck of a game. The offensive line was able to open large running lanes for running back Lucas Haldane to gash through the line for good yardage and keeping Quarterback Tomo Hursthouse upright in the backfield.

On defense, the defensive line was able to gain penetration into the JV Whalers at times creating disruption, including a very good 4th down stop forcing the turnover. Our linebackers were flying around making plays as well. The linebacking core of Lucas Haldane, Joey Craddock, Phillip Ho, and Bruce Jones were asked to play fast, smart and make tackles from start to finish vs a strong run attack. The linebacking core played as asked all game and fought hard to attack the JV Whaler ground game.

In retrospect sporadic practice attendance led to some errors that cost the JV Highlanders the game. The team will need to have everyone out at all three (3) practices this week. The Team needs to eliminate these mental mistakes. Next week marks the team’s first regular season game against Earl Marriott Mariner squad.

​Pride ~ Respect ~ United