The Weyburn Junior Eagles scored their first victory of the 2004 season on Saturday, blasting the Regina Rams 16-12 at Leibel Field.

The Eagles led the Rams on the scoreboard throughout the game, scoring two touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions.

Weyburn's defence shut down Regina's offence for most of the day, and managed to avoid a major upset in the final minute of play; the Rams were first and ten on the Eagles' 15-yard line, but the defence held up on all three tries and drove the Rams back, forcing a turnover.

The offence then ran out the clock and preserved the win. Coach Murray Benson said, "I have never witnessed a gutsier performance by a group of athletes in all my years of coaching."

"The offense provided us with the two touchdowns we needed, and the defence just dominated the Rams. The coaching staff were very proud of the effort and determination the Eagle players displayed the entire game."

The Eagles' defence recovered a total of six fumbles throughout the game and knocked one pass attempt down. Kyle York, who scored the hustle award, recovered one fumble and had 11 tackles throughout the game.

Linebacker Tarek Svedahl and tackle Mitchell Steininger each had five tackles and a fumble recovery. Linebacker Justin Pitre and defensive end Tyler Pyett each had four tackles, with Justin also getting a fumble recovery and knocking down a pass.

Safety Brandon Fraser and defensive tackle Brett Jones each made three tackles and one fumble recovery. Cornerbacks Carlyle Richard and Josh Forsgren each made two tackles.

Tailback Jordan Bod, defensive tackles Dylan Istace and Tyler Gallinger, defensive ends Justin Sletten and Dante Elig, linebackers Chris Kopytko and Derek Martineau, and safeties Walid Svedahl and Kirk Schnell all made or assisted on a tackle.

The offensive line faced a tough defence, but the Eagles were able to provide good blocking for the running backs.

The offensive game star was also Bod, who, despite an assortment of injuries, scored both touchdowns for the Eagles. He had 11 carries for 79 yards and caught one 53-yard pass for one of his touchdowns. He also made some key blocks for the offence.

Quarterback Brent Benson carried the ball seven times for 33 yards, and his single completed pass was the 53-yard touchdown. Benson also completed both two-point converts.

Fullback Louis Schnell made some key blocks and carried the ball eight times for 11 yards. Brent Jones also carried the ball once for one yard.

The lineman award went to veteran offensive guard Andrew Baird, who made some huge blocks for the offence and provided guidance and leadership.

The coaching staff was also extremely pleased with the play of Baird and Zayne Lendrum, said Benson, adding that both players have two years left on the Eagles and will form the core of their offensive line in the coming seasons.

The offensive line also included centre Thomas Megenbir, guard Mitchell Steininger, tackle Joel Wolstenholme, tight ends Brett Penny and Dustin Herlick, and wide receivers Thomas Bresciani, Robert Lee and Christopher Lee.

The Weyburn Junior Eagles play their next home game against the Regina Wolverines on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Darold Kot Field.

Their banquet and awards night will be held on Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Souris Valley Extended Care Centre, in the assembly hall. The event starts at 6 p.m.