Although injuries played a role in limiting their offensive production, Estevan Steelers head coach Preston Majeran had nothing but praise for his team's defensive effort in a 28-0 loss to the Regina Mounties on Sunday.
The Steelers (0-7) trailed 15-0 at the half.
"It was completely and totally the best defensive effort this team has put in all season long," said Majeran.
"Riley Meshke had the game of the year. He was absolutely phenomenal. All my defence played absolutely great, I was very impressed with them. They did what I asked them to do."
The victory pushed the Mounties (7-0) to first place in the Regina Minor Football bantam division and Majeran was thrilled with the Steelers' performance against the undefeated club.
"The score didn't really matter to me. They're one of the top teams in the league and we kept them to only 28 points, which I'm very proud of the guys for."
With several offensive starters missing to injury or the flu, the game was as much about getting comfortable with new positions as it was scoring points.
"Our entire starting backfield, except for Brody Dreher, was missing. He had a heck of a game for never playing with some of the kids he played with in that position," Majeran said.
"Everybody stepped up for not playing where they had all year."
Majeran said he's hoping to have most of his injured players back for Saturday's season finale in Weyburn against the Raiders.
