The St. Paul Lions earned another win in an exhibition game against the Vegreville Vortex 49-6 on Tuesday, ahead of its big division match against Bonnyville on Friday.
The Lions hit the field running and took the lead 25-0 by the first quarter. Dave Thomson blocked a punt and recovered it for a big touchdown early in the game, noted head coach Todd Tanasichuk, after the game.
The Vortex ran its first and only touchdown in the second but failed on the conversion attempt. At the bottom of the quarter, the Lions' Darrell Stranger ran it in, followed by the successful conversion, for the 33-6 lead.
"Our quarterback threw the ball well. Our offensive line did a great job," said Stranger, who plays slotback. The Vortex had a big running game, which caught the defence off guard but the Lions responded well, he said.
Stranger caught six passes for 89 yards and made three touchdowns.
The Lions continued the pressure into the third with two touchdowns. With the clock running straight time in the fourth, the Lions kicked in a field goal at the bottom of the quarter.
"We did well. They opened holes and we ran the ball well," said offensive line coach Steve Johnson. "It was obvious that they did their job."
"We're going to come out with guns blazing," said Johnson, regarding Friday's game.
For game highlights and full story, as well as coverage of Friday's game, see the Journal on Tuesday.
