Just like the wind, it was a strong start for the Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) Mohawks football team.
On Thursday, they began their season with a 43-14 win over the John Paul II Crusaders of North Battleford.
With the winds at their back in the first quarter, the Mohawks were unable to capitalize on the starting field position on their first drive but took advantage on their second possession, beginning at the Crusaders 38-yard line.
Quarterback Liam Zimmerman opened the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown run.
Zimmerman added to the Mohawks later in the first quarter, connecting with receiver Kale Rintoul for a 45-yard touchdown reception.
A rouge on the ensuing kickoff gave the Mohawks a 15-0 lead after the first quarter.
Despite going against the wind in the second quarter, the momentum didn’t stop for HCI, Zimmerman ran in for his second touchdown of the game, this time from 15-yards out to put the Mohawks ahead by 22.
Pressed against their end zone on their next possession, the Mohawks conceded two points, as the Crusaders collected their first two points of the contest.
After the Crusaders punted the ball, the Mohawks moved in for a quick strike as running back Gage Hoffman ran for a 46-yard touchdown.
In the final minute of the first half, the Crusaders took advantage of an interception and quarterback Nate Fransoo plunged in from the one-yard line to make the score 29-8.
The Crusaders made the game interesting with the first score in the second half as Fransoo scored from the one-yard line again, to put the Crusaders within two scores.
But the Mohawks would soon put the game out of reach as Zimmerman found Hudson Armstrong with a deep pass that led to a 60-yard touchdown catch and run.
Zimmerman finished off the scoring with a 20-yard touchdown run, his third of the game to make the score 43-14.
Jake Hoppe came in as quarterback for the Mohawks for the fourth quarter.
While there were no additional points in the final quarter, the Mohawks were able to generate a pair of turnovers with Zander Risling and Rintoul each picking up an interception.
The Mohawks will be back in action next Friday night as they host the Delisle Rebels at Glenn Hall Park. The game will be played under the lights, with an opening kickoff at 7:30.
Also, this week, there will be a fundraising barbecue on Wednesday from 11-1:30, with the proceeds going towards installing permanent light fixtures at Glenn Hall Park.