A battle of two Langley football teams ended with the Stampeders edging out the Kodiaks in the low-scoring game.
The Midget Stampeders had their second battle of the season with the North Langley Kodiaks on Oct. 29.
Both the Stampeders and the Kodiaks share the McLeod Athletic Park field, trading off which team is considered “home.”
The home turf advantage didn’t help either team in the first quarter. Though most of the game was played in the Stampeders’ end of the field, neither side was able to put any points on the board.
Well into the second quarter, the Kodiaks took over possession on the Stamps’ 37 yard line with a turn over on downs.
The Stamps were able to force the Kodiaks into what became a successful 28 yard field goal situation, putting North Langley ahead 3-0.
On their next drive, the Kodiaks took over the ball on the Stamps’ 40 yard line.
Again they were not successful in the red zone, forced into a kicking situation. They were able to add three more points with a 19 yard effort.
North Langley took a 6-0 lead into the dressing room.
Most of the play was in the Stampeders’ half of the field again in the third quarter.
The Kodiaks twice took possession inside the Langley 25 yard line.
One drive was snuffed out with a blocked field goal attempt. The second chance from the 21 yard line was ended with an interception by Josh Fletcher at the two yard line.
The third series of the fourth quarter saw the Stamps finally get possession in Kodiak territory at the 45.
In three plays they moved deep into the opposition end. A defensive penalty set the Stampeders up with a first and goal inside the five yard line. Azuka Okoli drove in to the end zone for the game’s only touchdown from the four yard line. The convert was good making the score 7-6.
Three series later the Kodiaks started a drive from their 25. They went seven plays before Nathan Murray of the Stamps picked off a Kodiak pass.
The Stampeders had the ball at their 22 and were able to run out the clock to end the game.
The low score was an anomaly, as both teams have averaged 25 points per game so far this season.
Kodiaks receiver Maximillan Joseph gave the Stamps’ defence fits all night and completed several highlight reel catches during the game.
By winning 7-6 the Stamps have locked up first place in the BBCFL Midget division. They wrap up league play Sunday, Nov. 6 at MAP against the Victoria Spartans at 2 p.m. The Kodiaks will play the North Surrey Bears on Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.