The Weyburn Peewee Junior Eagles football team got their 2005 season off to a tremendous start on Aug. 23, defeating the Regina Argos 34-14 at Leibel Field in Regina.

Head coach Murray Benson said the entire team played incredible in their 2005 season-opener.

"The offence dominated and controlled the game; our offence gained over 300 yards, which is great for peewee football. The defence allowed only two touchdowns and made huge plays to turn the ball over."

"We knew we had an outstanding returning group of veterans (this year), but the play of our rookies was excellent. We have a team record 41 players who are hungry for football it makes coaching very enjoyable and rewarding," he said.

Running back Brent Benson ran the ball 16 times for 274 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Thomas Bresciani also caught a touchdown pass for 51 yards.

The offensive game star was quarterback Louis Schnell, who completed three of four passes for 66 yards and one touchdown pass.

The offensive lineman award went to guard Chad Letkeman, who did an incredible job blocking.

The defensive game star was linebacker Tarek Svedahl, who made 12 tackles, caused one fumble for the Argos and was "all over the field on defence," said Benson.

The defensive lineman award went to the "twin towers" Aaron and Adam Fletcher, said Benson. The Fletcher twins dominated the defensive line and made excellent pass coverage.

The hustle award went to newcomer and defensive cornerback Cody Miller, who made many tackles and provided excellent pass coverage.

On offence, Chris Lee gained eight yards on five carries, Louis Schnell ran three times for eight yards and tight end Derrick Pouliot had two carries for four yards.

On defence, Tarek Svedahl, Tyler Pyett, Casey Pirio and Carlyle Richard had four or more tackles. Cody Miller, Brent Benson, Aaron Fletcher, Adam Fletcher, Brendan Heggs, Scott Robertson, Tristan Rubin, Kenton Baumgartner, Brady Baumgartner, Levi Thirsk, Alex Bileski, Nicholas Pouliot and Brandon Fraser each got one tackle or assisted on a tackle.

Eagles lose home-opener

Though they had an exceptional season-opener, the Eagles were outsized by their opponents in the home-opener on Saturday at Darold Kot Field, which they lost to the Regina Mustangs 46-12.

Benson said the Mustangs are a favourite for first place in the league with a roster of nearly all 13-year-old players, most of whom have been with the team in previous seasons.

Regina had a touchdown right off the kickoff, and had two more touchdowns in the first quarter. Fortunately, the Eagles had an excellent second half, "which was very encouraging and gives us something to build on for next week."

"We look forward to a great week of practice," he said.

The defensive lineman award went to tackle Alan Baird, who, despite being double-teamed for the entire game, made numerous tackles and had a great game plugging up the middle. The defensive game star was middle linebacker Casey Pirio, who made seven tackles and was a valuable leader despite being a rookie.

Cornerback Mackenzie Metheral won the hustle award for making two tackles, one interception and one knocked-down pass.

The offensive lineman award went to centre Dylan Istace, who is providing incredible blocking for the Eagles. The offensive game star went to wide receiver Thomas Bresciani, who caught one pass for 56 yards and a touchdown.

On defensive tackles, Tarek Svedahl managed six tackles and a knocked-down pass; Carlyle Richard had five tackles and recovered one fumble; Cody Miller had four tackles and two knocked-down passes; Tyler Pyett had tour tackles; Brandon Fraser had two tackles and a knocked-down pass; Kirk Schnell had one tackle and one knocked-down pass; Brent Benson, Louis Schnell and Aaron Fletcher had one tackle.

On offence, quarterback Louis Schnell completed four passes for 142 yards. Brent Benson caught one pass for 79 yards and a touchdown. Thomas Bresciani caught a 56-yard touchdown pass.

Carter Struthers caught two passes for seven yards, but led the running attack with seven carries for 33 yards. Derrick Pouliot had five carries for 21 yards, Louis Schnell had seven carries for 14 yards, Brent Benson had four carries for five yards, and Devon Stephanson had one carry for five yards.

The next home game for the Eagles at Darold Kot Field is Saturday, Sept. 3, at 11:30 a.m. against the Regina Rams. The Weyburn Bantam Raiders will follow at 1 p.m.

Future Eagle games are Sept. 10 at Taylor Field against the Regina Wolverines, Sept. 17 in Weyburn at 10:30 a.m. against the Patriots, and Sept. 24 against the Thunder.