After their first game ever of high school football, the John Paul II Crusaders players and coaching staff knew they would be better the next time they took to the field at Beaver Lions Stadium.
That next time was this past Friday and the Crusaders were a much improved and polished team, as they earned their first tie of the season. The school celebrated its 25th anniversary with home coming festivities and the fans and former students who took part weren't disappointed by the result on the football field.
The Crusaders battled to a 10-10 tie against the Unity Warriors.
Both teams missed field goals early in the first quarter, but it was Unity who eventually struck first with a 42-yard field goal after four running plays and a penalty put them in scoring range.
On Unity's next offensive possession, the Warriors faced a third and two situation when Dustin Wallace took a hand off and ran 51 yards for the touchdown. Mac Tuchscherer kicked the convert to put Unity up 10-0.
The Crusaders responded on their next drive and made it a 10-7 game. Jordan Lilly returned the kick off to the 49-yard line. From there, on first down, quarterback Nathan Eckel scampered for 15 yards. Later on the drive, the Warriors took a pass interference call. Next, Garrison McLaren ran for three yards, which was followed by a 34-yard pass from Eckel to Calvin Perpeljuk for the touchdown.
Perpeljuk also kicked the extra point and the first half ended with the Crusaders down three points.
The Crusaders managed another field goal in the second half and held on for the tie, their first point of the season.
The season was never going to be about the wins and losses for the Crusaders, but to see they are already able to compete with some teams in the Northwest 9-Man Football League is a huge accomplishment.
The season doesn't end for the Crusaders after the tie in front of the their faithful cheer squad and fans. They will play their final regular season home game Thursday against Meadow Lake at Beaver Lions Stadium at 4 p.m.
The Crusaders will end the regular season Oct. 14 in Martensville.
