Three Downs: Huskies at Rams wrap-up

1st Down: Who gets the game ball on offense?
Tom: Jade Etienne continues to be a big weapon in the Huskies passing game. Not only did he make some big catches, but he also drew 2 pass interference penalties as well…one of those saving a certain touchdown.
Dog Whisperer: I have to go with Jade Etienne. He provides a deep threat and delivers on that threat. He plays physical and pressures defended into penalties trying to contain him.
Dallas: I also have to go with Jade Etienne, who is becoming a great receiver. He showed he can be counted on for big plays as well as possession plays. If Nixon had better protection last night, he would have hit Etienne more often.

Jon: Can’t argue with Etienne, but I’ve also got to give props again to Ben Coakwell who pulled off another 100 yard game. No one expected him to really even be on the radar this season but now has put a string of good games together.
Ryan: Ben Coakwell, to me, carried this team. I was surprised that some of the receivers didn’t see more balls, but the Huskies moved the ball on the ground and Coakwell was the reason why.

2nd Down: Who gets the game ball on defense?
Dog Whisperer: This one is tough but I have to go with Tony Michalchuk who seemed to be involved in so many tackles again this week. He brings intensity that the defense needs. Honorable mention to Zach Hart for his pursuit and a 60 minute motor that resulted in several tackles for losses.
Ryan: How about Seamus Neary? He had 4.5 tackles and a sack for a ten yard loss. He was a ball hawk and seemed to be around the Rams RBs and receivers all night.
Dallas: I’m going with Mitch Friesen, who played banged up and turned in a good performance on a bad night for the secondary. He had a forced fumble in the fourth and was a key part of the Huskies inspired last-ditch push that fell short.
Tom: The Huskies gave up a lot of passing yards last night, but the defense did register an impressive 10 tackles for a loss…led by Zach Hart with 3, including 1.5 sacks. Let’s hope Zach’s late game injury doesn’t keep him off the field for long.
Jon: Good picks, but I’ll give it to Nico Higgs for his 22 yard interception return late in the game, which with 6 minutes left gave the team a glimmer of hope for a comeback.

3rd Down: Who gets the special teams game ball?
Tom: Travis Gorski and Gregg Woytowich had several nice returns between them last night.
Ryan: I agree Tom. Both Gorski and Woytowich had a good night of returns. Travis had five punt returns and three kick off returns for almost 100 yards. His big returns were timely and kept the Huskies in the game until the end.
Jon: Kicker Stephen McDonald gets my game ball for providing the Dogs with some reliability in place kicking with 3 field goals, and punting well in place of Denton Kolodzinski after he went down with an injury.
Dallas: Steve MacDonald struggled early, but settled down and had some nice kicks, especially punting, which he is not strong with.
Dog Whisperer: It’s difficult not to admire the way Stephen MacDonald filled in and delivered in the kicking game particularly punting the ball after the injury to Denton Kolodzinski. Thank goodness the coaches decided to bring both on this trip. Travis Gorski stood out as well for some terrific returns but Stephen gets the nod.