The Varsity Interlake Thunder continue to flex their muscles early in the Rural Manitoba Football League season.
On Sunday, the Thunder faced two questions: whether they would beat the Southwest Sabres to improve to 2-0 on the season, and whether starting quarterback Jessie Batenchuk would be back slinging following an injury in their week one victory.
Both were answered in the week two matchup as the Gimli product threw for 197 yards and four touchdowns in his return, and the Thunder claimed a 55-13 victory on the road at Souris School.
The Thunder struck early with touchdowns on their opening two drives. After extending their lead ahead of the second quarter, they were able to coast through the remainder of the game with nearly their entire roster seeing action.
Usual offensive suspects AJ Nadon and Jamie Dandeneau got much of the game off after both found the end zone to help the Thunder’s cause. Kicker/defensive back Mario La Pierre turned out to be one of the busier Thunder players that evening, going seven-for-eight on extra points.
Head coach Christof Hasselfield highlighted the play of Grade 12 middle linebacker Cooper Ponton for setting the tone on defence, helping the Thunder set a new season-best for points against.
“The biggest takeaway from the first two weeks is that we’ve started fast both weeks, which is phenomenal because that’s something we’ve struggled with in the past — coming out looking crisp and executing,” Hasselfield said Monday. “To start the year like that is very promising for sure.”
At this time last year, the Thunder sat 1-1 in a shorter RMFL Urban Division season, which they went on to finish 2-2 in the regular season.
Through just two games this year, they are sharing first place in an eight-team RMFL Doug Steeves Division — a position they plan to maintain.
“We won on the scoreboard. Any win is a good win, but there were definitely lots of things we need to work on going forward,” Hasselfield said.
He added they will be working more on their physicality and run game this week, two areas that will be more important when their schedule hits October.
On Sunday, Hasselfield and staff also got another glimpse into the program’s future beyond this season with another strong showing from Grade 10 quarterback Colten Leger.
Leger stepped in for the second straight week — this time not because of injuries, but rather the lead Batenchuk and the offence had built.
He threw for a touchdown and went four-for-five for 51 yards during his snaps.
It was also a big evening for Grade 11 rookie Kaiden Reimer, who scored his first career receiving touchdown.
The Thunder receiver finished with 51 yards over four receptions and added three tackles on kickoffs — a standout performance in the eyes of Hasselfield.
“He really took the opportunity that was given to him this week with us getting up big early,” Hasselfield said. “I think he earned himself some extra playing time going forward based on the effort and results of what he did out there, so I was very impressed with him.”
The Thunder now look ahead to week three as they return to Stonewall for the first Saturday game of the season against the Swan Valley Tigers.
Kickoff is slated for noon at Collège Stonewall Collegiate Field as the Thunder look to extend their winning streak to three games.
