Estevan Oilers open season with shutout win over Moose Jaw

Editor’s Note: Heather Tober contributed to the U14 Oilers coverage.

ESTEVAN – The saying “look good, play good” was appropriate for the first game of the season for the Estevan Lions Club U14 Oilers.

Wearing brand new black and green jerseys, they went to Moose Jaw on Friday to take on the newly formed Moose Jaw Mafia. Estevan defeated the expansion team 28-0.

From the very first play of the game, the Oilers’ offense outpaced the Mafia defense. A big, strong offensive line allowed quarterback Ryder Mantei to connect with receiver TJ Thompson multiple times. Running back Taya Stinging drove up the middle and gained yards when she had the ball.

Waylon Mantei scored on two long plays for Estevan.

The Mafia offense couldn’t break through the rock-solid Oilers defense. The energy and confidence of the veteran defensemen was infectious, inspiring new defensemen like Reid Shier and Sawyer Bomberak to hold their ground and be where they needed to be.

Oil’s second-year player Ben Guertin was a beast in the final quarter, making several key tackles and blowing every scoring opportunity for the Mafia.

In addition to the new jerseys, the Oilers also have a new head coach. Christian Pfeifer has taken over from long-serving Oilers head coach Paul Duncan, who has moved to the high school squad as offensive coordinator. Pfeifer has been part of EMF and the Oilers coaching staff for years.

Achieving this big win in his first match with the new title is a compliment to Pfeifer and the other coaches for the work they have done with the team over the past few weeks.

The Oilers will face the Moose Jaw Vikings on September 6 in Moose Jaw, who had a 1-0 score.

Meanwhile, the Estevan Power Dodge U12 Chargers started their season by pushing the two-time reigning champions, the Moose Jaw Lions, to the limit, but the Lions won 51-47.

The Chargers host the Moose Jaw Bulldogs on September 7 at Woodlawn Athletic Park. The game starts at 3 p.m.

The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs football team visited Regina O’Neill for a preseason scrimmage on Friday. Estevan won 12-7.

The Elecs open their season on September 7 when they host Balgonie Greenall, starting at 1pm

The Estevan Kinette Club U18 Viragos women’s soccer team opens the season on September 7 with an away match against Melville.