For the first time in team history, the Prince George Kodiaks have won three in a row.
The Kodiaks held on for a 22-19 win over the Vancouver Island Raiders in Nanaimo Saturday.
It wasn’t a pretty win for the Kodiaks on the offensive side of the ball. The offence struggled to find a way past the swarming Raider defence, and had some key drops from receivers.
Rookie Quarterback Zach Golab got the nod for the Raiders, making his first start in the BC Football Conference.
He led the Raiders to the end zone on their first offensive possession, the first time they’ve been able to score on their opening drive this season.
Raiders Kicker Cole McQueen also got a chance to show off his leg early, hitting a pair of field goals from around the 40-yard line.
The Kodiaks found some offensive rhythm late in the first half.
Kodiaks Quarterback Sawyer Thiessen called his own number for a big run to bring Prince George deep into Raider territory. He capped off the drive by finding Receiver Noah Lank for a five yard score.
On the ensuing Raider drive, Golab threw the ball into the hands of Kodiaks Safety Taemon Piddocke for a pick six to give Prince George a 14-13 lead late in the half.
The struggles returned for the Kodiaks to start the second half.
It was a rare off-night for Brady Harper, missing a pair of field goals from around the 40-yard mark to start the second half. One did go through the endzone for a rouge.
The Kodiaks then fumbled around their own 40 yard line, with the Raiders taking over.
The turnover led to a short rushing touchdown for Rhonde Lyle, putting the Raiders back on top.
After a couple more less-than-stellar drives from the Kodiaks, Myron Brown made an incredible catch to kickstart a Prince George drive.
Thiessen found Kayle Cowley in the endzone for a 20-yard touchdown through the air.
The late game held plenty of drama.
The Kodiaks defence came up strong, forcing a Raider punt. However, the punter was hit on the play, giving the Raiders a fresh set of downs.
On the next play, the Kodiaks forced a crucial fumble, giving the Kodiaks the ball back with great field position.
The offence couldn’t do anything with it, and punted the ball away.
Alexandros Thanos picked off Golab to give the Kodiaks the ball again.
The Raiders would get one more opportunity, but the Kodiaks defence came up with another big stop to help seal the game for the Kodiaks.
The Kodiaks (4-2) are riding a three-game win streak, and are third in the BC Football Conference.
The BCFC standings are here.
The Kodiaks host the 6-0 Okanagan Sun at Masich Place Stadium Saturday.
The full Kodiaks schedule is here.
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