Peewee Thunder changing their approach after 0-2 start

It’s been a rocky start to the season for the Peewee Interlake Thunder.

The club is 0-2 and have been outscored 66-6 in their losses to the East Side Eagles last Monday and the Fort Garry Lions last Saturday in the home opener at Stonewall Collegiate Field.

Now as they get ready to go again on Saturday, Aug. 24 against the Eastman Raiders, they are taking the time to re-evaluate their game plan.

“Defensively it will be a lot of skills, as far as structure goes defensively, we’re in a pretty good spot,” said head coach Jared Boville on Monday afternoon. “For offence, right now it’s a bit more equal opportunity. Whoever is open or is in a certain position, that’s where we are looking to get the ball to, but the reality is we’re going to have to focus on getting the ball into our playmaker’s hands.”

With only six points to show for in the two games, Boville said they will need to make tweaks to their current offensive plays.

Thunder QB Weston Preun has been Boville’s go-to ace so far this season.

Preun is in his second season with the Thunder and is one of their leaders on and off the field.

Though he is still looking for a breakout game this season, Boville said he’s liked his game early on and with a little help from his defensive line, the big plays will start to come.

“He’s been playing really well, I wouldn’t put the offensive struggles on him,” said Boville. “The offensive line struggled to protect last game which is funny because in the first game the offensive line was very dominant. It was just we weren’t catching the ball or running the ball, the skilled position players. Even on Saturday there was probably six drops where Weston put it right on the money and they couldn’t haul it in so our offence, and I’ve told the kids, it’s going to live and die by how well the offensive line plays. If they can give Weston time he’s going to find guys.”

Aside from the offensive inconsistencies, it’s been getting down in games early that has really been the Thunder’s downfall early on.

In both games the Thunder gave up multiple touchdowns in the opening quarter, some coming from fumbles and interceptions, which has prevented their offence from being able to get comfortable early in games.

Boville said a strong start will be part of the game plan against the Raiders.

“You can’t get down. In the Lions game we were down 12-0 in the first five minutes and that was similar to what happened in the Eagles game. Getting a few stops to start and maybe putting some points on the board early is definitely going to be good. They do a good job at making adjustments but we need to do that from the start so we don’t dig ourselves a hole.”

The Thunder will head to Steinbach for Saturday’s game against the Raiders.

The Raiders are 1-0 this season after winning their season opener 30-0 last Saturday against the Sunrise Coyotes in Springfield.

Kick-off will go at noon at A.D. Penner Park.