A short-staffed Westman Wolverines team was dropped 37-10 by the Fort Garry Lions in the club's first-ever Manitoba Major Football League game in Brandon on Sunday.
The Wolverines fielded 27 players, less than their original goal of 35, but head coach Dave Stantial said, they expect to be adding six to eight players to the roster. Stantial said roster spots are still open to any football players in the region.
The Wolverines are Westman's first attempt at football above the high school level. The MMFL is for players aged 18-22 to work on their skills and continue to enjoy the game if they were unable to play at the university level.
"We are really happy with the effort the guys showed," Stantial said. "We did have a slow start, but by the end of the game the defence was playing great and the offence was starting to click together. Jeff Caswell [quarterback] and Mason Kaluzniak [wide receiver] were really starting to get a groove going."
Due to a shortage of bodies, several players had double duty, playing on both sides of the ball.
"People were obviously getting a little worn out, with our linemen playing some real iron-man football," Stantial said. "But this home game really seemed to open some eyes in the community, hopefully now people know what is going on more and try to get involved."
Despite the loss and short body count, the Westman Wolverines put up decent stats, with running back Ace Brown of Virden leading the team in rushing yards as well as snagging an interception on defence.
Handing him the ball was Caswell, who threw for 97 yards, one touchdown while giving up two picks. All but 10 of those yards were to young wideout Kaluzniak, who finished the game with 87 yards receiving and a touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, Cody Baley racked up an impressive seven tackles, and Brad McClelland was a monster in the backfield, coming up with two sacks and two tackles.
"Our effort was there, we just need to work out a few bugs that cost us some big plays," said McClelland. "Our defence played very well as a unit. The offence did have a rough start with no help from a poor warm-up and windy conditions, but they came together by the second half and were starting to have some successful drives and move the sticks.
The Wolverines hit the road for the next two weeks, playing the Transcona Nationals this Saturday in Transcona, then the following week heading to take on the North Winnipeg Nomads.