Swan Valley defeats Neepawa Tigers

Details

Published on Thursday, October 15, 2015

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

The Swan Valley Tigers are the reigning Rural Manitoba Football League champions. On Friday, Oct. 9, they showed, in very decisive fashion, why they’re the defending champs, at the expense of the Neepawa Tigers.

Swan Valley defence was able to completely shut down Neepawa’s normally dynamic offence and cruised to a 59-0 victory. With the win, Swan Valley improved to 5-0 on the season, while Neepawa dropped to 2-3 on the year.

Swan Valley’s secondary was able to keep the efforts of Neepawa quarterback Dylan Oshanyk at bay throughout the afternoon, intercepting him three times. The Tigers garnered a fourth INT from backup Tanner Mann. In total, Neepawa QB’s were only able to complete six of their 18 passing attempts. Oshanyk ended the campaign 6-for-16 for 62 yards. Notable receivers included Taine Middleton, who had one catch for 30 yards and Jeremy Roe, who caught a pair of receptions for a combined 13 yards.

The Neepawa Tigers running game did not fair much better, as its normally effective ground game was completely neutralized. In 14 carries, they were able to generate only 23 yards rushing

Neepawa’s defence faired better, combining for 36 tackles, two sacks, an interception and one fumble recovery. Will Birnie led the way with 12 of those tackles, two sacks, the interception and the recovery of the single fumble. Special teams ended the day with 11 returns for 145 yards, including a 45 yard run by Taine Middleton.

Neepawa will play two road games over the next two weeks in an effort to secure it’s place in the playoffs, which begin on Oct. 31.