Wolverine Season Comes to a Close

The WHSFL has 38 teams in it. All but 5 will end their season with a loss. Losing sucks and it is always a tough way to end a season. The Wolverines need to keep their heads up and be proud of their season, and their effort in their last game of the season.

It was a hard fought game that was close right to the end. They were facing the best team in their division; the 6-1 Kodiaks. The Kodiaks are a well coached team that has the division's number 1 offence lead by the division's number 1 QB. The Wolverines were able to score the first TD of the game, with a wonderful 6 play drive that featured some great running by Jonas Mulatu and a nice catch by Simon Sepke. The drive was caped off with a 2 yard dive play by Mulatu.

The Kodiaks were able to answer back with a  TD pass from the Wolverine's 5 yard line. It was their only offensive score of the game. The pass came at the heels of huge 38 yard pass and run play. The biggest play the Wolverine defence allowed in the game. At halftime the score was tight; 9-6 for the Kodiaks.

In the second half the Wolverines gave up a safety when a beautiful punt by the Kodiaks sailed over Fabian's head. He chased it all the way back to his endzone. It appeared he was able to run it out to the one yard line, but was then driven back into his endzone for the safety. The Kodiaks returned the ensuing kickoff for a TD. Making the score 21-6. The Wolverines were able to score one more TD when Taylor Ward made a great throw to Fabian Jacobson that put the ball on the 1 yard line. Ward was able to punch it in for the TD on the next play. That was as close as the Wolverines would get. Making the final score 21-12.

Below are some nice catches by the Wolverine offence:

A nice grab by Sepke, that sets up the Wolverines first TD:

Wolverines big defensive plays:

The Wolverines fail to get a Vidruk playoff win for the 4th time. However, they matched their best win total in Vidruk with 4. It was a really good coachable group that bonded quite well. Now it is time to work hard in the offseason and get better and get ready for next year.

Let's go Wolverines.

- Coach Boughen

Wolverines Finish Regular Season 4-3

The Wolverines lost a tough game Thursday night to St.Paul's 37-10. They finish the regular season with a record of 4 wins and 3 losses, tying the franchise record for wins in a season in the Vidruk Division(AA). Way to go boys.

Here is how they got to 4 wins and 3 losses

The game was close at halftime, the Wolverines trailed 14-10. The second half was dominated by St.Paul's, scoring 13 unanswered points. 

Jonas Mulatu had a great interception in the Wolverine end zone. It looked like he was going to take it all the way back, but unfortunately was unable to beat the last man back. Have a look below:

Below are three highlights from the game. The first clip features Sepke making a nice pic early in the game. The second clip is of Mages, and Sepke making a perfect compression tackle on the St.Paul's RB. Unfortunately, because of the camera angle it is really hard to see Sepke. The third and final clip is of Fabian Jacobson recording his first career sack. He came hot on a "Hammer Blitz."

Next up for the Wolverines is the "second season," the playoffs. As of Friday night it looks like the Wolverines will finish in 6th place, and will play either Elmwood, Steinbach, or River East in the first round.

Great regular season Wolverines, now let's get ready for the playoffs.

-Coach Boughen

Wolverines Win 3rd in a Row

Wolverines played a great game Friday night and were able to secure their third win in a row over the Miles Mac Buckeyes 28-19. Momentum went back and forth in the game, and the win was not secured until late in the game when Wolverine's defensive back Jacy Kennedy returned a interception for a touchdown.

Wolverines started the game in typical Wolverine fashion, and jumped out to an early 14-0 lead. The offensive line did a wonderful job opening holes for M.Fyfe, and protecting quarterback T.Ward when they needed to throw. The defence did its job as well, and did not allow the Buckeye offence much.

When the team changed sides in the 2nd quarter, the momentum started to swing. There was a strong wind that definitely affected the game. The Buckeyes were able to score 13 points in the second, making the score 14-13 going into halftime. Great work by M.Mendro and the Dline blocking the Buckeyes extra point attempt.

The Wolverines started strong in the 3rd quarter marching the ball down the field, and capping it off with J.Mulatu's first career TD. The defence gave up a huge run to the Buckeyes early in the third and it looked like the Buckeyes were going to finish the drive with a TD.  That's when M.Mraovic stepped up with some great coverage and intercepted the Buckeyes pass in the endzone. The Buckeyes were able to move the ball against the Wolverine defence between the 30s, but when they needed to step up and stop the Buckeyes from scoring they did. They allowed the Buckeyes to score one more TD, but it was at a time after J.Kennedy had an amazing interception for a TD all but sealing the win for the Wolverines.

Here is J.Kennedy's Pic Six:

Another play that needs mentioning is the one below. You're going to notice that our linebacker J.Bertrand gets knocked on his but. The reason the play is great, is that Bertrand gets up, hustles and then makes the tackle. An excellent example how you never give up on a play. Great job Bertrand:

The Wolverines seem to be peaking at the right moment winning their third win in a row. Their record now sits at 4wins and 2losses with one tough game to play in the regular season, and that game is next Thursday against the St.Paul AA Crusaders:

Be sure to come out and support your Wolverines!

Let's go Wolverines!

-Coach Boughen

Wolverines Come up with a Complete Game

The Wolverines had a wonderful, all around complete game on Thursday. Winning in all three phases of the game; offence, defence, and special teams.

The Wolverines might have played their best game of the season thus far. They scored early, they stopped the Bulldogs from scoring (except late in the game, when the outcome was all but decided) and executed on special teams. J.Krenkewich had a wonderful offensive game. Have a look at his receiving and rushing stats below:

The defence did a great job shutting down the Bulldogs offence, matching up big on big and limiting their offence to 7 points. J. Mulatu had a great game starting his first ever game at running back. He finished the game with over 100 yards rushing.

Congratulations to F.Jacobson who earned WHSFL's Special Teams Player of the Week.

Have a look at his punt return TD:

Next week the Wolverines have a tough game against the 3-2 Miles Mac Buckeyes.

Be sure to come cheer them on.

Let's go Wolverines!

-Coach Boughen

Wolverines Come From Behind

It was an exciting Thursday night finish for the Wolverines. There were turnovers, interceptions for TDs, three lead changes, and a very dramatic fourth quarter for the Wolverines. When it was all said and done, the Wolverines were victorious, winning 29-21 over the Plainsmen.

As they normally do at home, the Wolverines started off strong.  Kicking the ball deep into the Plainsmen end. Forcing a two and out, and watching as the Plainsmen concede a safety on third down. On the ensuing possession the Wolverine offence drove the field and scored, as Taylor Ward punched it in on a QB dive from the 3 yard line.
The Wolverines continued to roll taking a 16-0 lead, on a wonderful 52 yard TD run by Michael Fyfe.
The Plainsmen got some life when they knocked the ball out of Ward's hands, scooped it up and ran it in for a defensive touchdown. At halftime the score was 16-7 in favour of the home team.

In the third quarter the Plainsmen were able to march the ball down to the Wolverine 3 yard line. On third down the Plainsmen decided to go for the TD, but Stuart Simmonds would have none of it. He came up and made an amazing tackle for a loss, forcing the turnover on downs. Have a look at the play below:

Simmonds probably had his best game as a Wolverine, not only did he make the play described above, Simmonds also had his first interception. Quick side note for the readers; Simmonds is not known for his hands and making receptions. It is a common site at Wolverine practices to see a ball hit Simmonds right in the hands, only to watch the ball fall to the dirt. So when Simmonds made his interception right in front of the Wolverine bench, the whole team exploded in celebration.

Late in the 3rd quarter the Plainsmen were able to score a TD against the Wolverine D, as their QB hit a wide open receiver for the touchdown. Making the score 16-14 for the Wolverines. In the 4th quarter with under 4 minutes to play the Plainsmen put together a 95 yard 11 play drive that put them up 21-14 with under 3 mins to play. It did not look good for the Wolverines. They had not scored since the first quarter, and now they needed to respond.

Cue the comeback.

Up to this point in the game Ward had only completed one pass. Well on this game winning drive Ward went 3/4, and looked great. Huge shout out to the offensive line who gave Ward a ton of time to throw. The big boys; Bertrand, Setee, Dominic, Barstad, and Gault did a great job with pass protection on the final drive. Ward capped off the drive with a 35 yard TD strike to Jordon Krekewich. Here is the video of the game winning drive.

A couple of other highlights that need mentioning. Jayce Kennedy, playing in his first game as a Wolverine secured the win with a interception return for a touchdown in the dying seconds of the game. Have a look:

How about some blocking?

Have a look at Dominic coming back when Ward was scrambling around to make a great block to protect his quarterback.

Great win Wolverines. They now have to focus their attention on the Churchill Bulldogs who come to visit West K on Thursday. 

If you you are a Wolverine fan be sure to give it +1, Like, RT, or Fav.

Lets go Wolverines!

-Coach Boughen

Wolverines Shut'em Out

The Wolverines even their record at 1-1 with a hard fought defensive battle on Thursday Sep 17th. They traveled to Brandon MB to take on the Vincent Massey Vikings and came home victorious 15-0. The Wolverines definitely employed a bend but don't break defensive strategy against the Vikings. Twice allowing the Viking to drive into their red zone, but both times the Wolverines were able to shut the door and not allow them to score. On one occasion, after a face masking call the Vikings had the ball first and goal on the Wolverine one yard line. On a bad exchange from center the Vikings fumbled the ball and Julian Bertrand was able to jump on the ball for the touchback.

The defensive effort was highlighted by some great play from Duane Penner. On a third down play where the Vikings had the ball in the Wolverine end of the field and needed just one yard, Penner came up and made a textbook tackle on the Vikings' QB. Have a look below:

Shortly thereafter in the third quarter Penner was at it again. Almost an exact copy of his 2nd quarter hit Penner came up to make a tackle on the QB again. This time he stepped it up a notch and was able to knock the ball loose, and cause a fumble. Teammate Jordan Mages, was Johnny on the spot and jumped on the loose ball. Have a look below:

Kienan Christian had a great debut as a Wolverine as well. Reeking havoc in the Vikings backfield all game long. Christian finished the game with a sack, and a tackle for lose. 

How about Kodah Levasseur, a true freshman (grade 9), getting some playing time in the second quarter,  for his first ever play as a Wolverine he intercepted the Vikings quarterback. He made a great read, dropped back and went up in the air and snatched the ball for the pick.

Matthew Wark was forced into action in the first quarter as starting running back Michael Fyfe got injured. Wark finished the game with 19 carries and 104 yards. Simon Sepke was able to score his first TD of the year on a beautiful pass from Taylor Ward. Sepke jogged in a 51 yard catch and run TD. Fabian Jacobson had another strong game at receiver; hauling in 4 catches for 62 yards. Jacobson also had an impressive afternoon kicking the ball going 2 for 2 in FGs (28 yards, and 34yards).

For the full box score you can find the stats here.

The Wolverines now focus their efforts on the Steinbach Sabres (1-1). Gametime is Thursday at 5:00 at West Kildonan Collegiate.

Be sure to come cheer on the boys.

If you are a Wolverine fan be sure to give us Like, Tweet, or +1.

Let's go Wolverines

-Coach Boughen

Season Opener

It was another hard fought battle between your Wolverines and their rivals the Elmwood Giants. The last time these two teams met it was an epic defensive battle that ended with the Wolverines winning 8-3, and ending the Giants perfect season. This time around both teams combined for 62 points and the Giants came out on top 34-28.

The game could not have started any better for the Wolverines. They had the first offensive possession of the game, and drove the field and scored. Jordan Mages made a spectacular catch from Taylor Ward for the TD. It was 7-0 Wolverines just like that. The defence held strong on the first possession as well forcing the Elmwood offence to a two and out. 

The momentum turned in the second quarter when the Giants scored on back to back possessions taking a 14-7 lead. The Wolverines were able to answer back with a rare quarterback sneak by Taylor Ward running through a couple of Giants to score a TD from the 3 yard line, on a third down play. Before the end of the quarter the Giants were able to punch it in one more time with a nice 45 yard touchdown throw from their QB. At halftime the Wolverines were trailing 20-14.

The Giants started the second half with the ball and were able to drive the field and score their 4th touchdown of the game. The Wolverines were able to answer back immediately on their next possession, as the offensive line gave Ward time to throw a beautiful ball to the streaking Jordan Krenkevich who went untouched into the endzone scoring his first WHSFL touchdown. Have a look at the play below:

Unfortunately, the Wolverine defence was unable to lock it down and gave up another touchdown to the Giants, on a well executed quarterback bootleg. The Wolverines thought they answered back immediately on the ensuing kickoff where Fabian Jacobson ran it back 73 yards for the touchdown. However, the play was called back on an illegal block. The Wolverines were able to make it close with yet another TD from Ward. Throwing a perfect ball to Fabian Jacobson to make the score 28-34. But that is as close as they would get as the Wolverines lose their home opener to the Giants.

Some impressive offensive numbers by the Wolverins

Ward had one of his best games as a Wolverine, throwing for 3 TDs and running for 1 as well. However, if you were to ask him I am sure he would trade in all those stats for a WIN instead. M Fyfe was his regular self rushing for an impressive 134 yards. How about some of those receivers; Jacobson, Mages, and Krenkevich all had solid receiving numbers.  If you would like to see the complete game stats Click Here

Up next the Wolverines travel to Brandon to take on the Vincent Massey Vikings on Thursday. Be sure to wish the boys good luck.

If you can't make it to Brandon you can follow the game here using scorebuzz. There will be a window at the bottom of this page.

If you're a Wolverine football fan be sure to give it +1, Like, Fav, or Tweet.

Let's Go Wolverines!

-Coach Boughen