Atom Bulldogs clinch playoff berth, Peewees in tough against Halifax

BY JOHN DECOSTE

Kings County Register

The Valley Atom Bulldogs are playoff-bound following an entertaining 25-14 win over Halifax Garrison October 19 in Canning.

The Bulldogs, 3-3 with the victory, got a pair of touchdowns from Isaac Melanson and one each from Chase Hancock and Isaiah Crossland-Belle.

Connor Ross caught a pass on a convert attempt to round out the scoring for Valley, which led 12-8 at halftime and 19-8 after three quarters; before the teams swapped touchdowns in the final 15 minutes, Melanson scoring in the final minute.

With the win, the Atom Bulldogs clinched at least a sixth-place finish and a playoff berth in their division. The schedule had not been finalized at press time, as there was still one game remaining to be played and three teams were tied for third place, but was expected to be set in time for this weekend.

The Peewee Bulldogs were not as fortunate in their game against the Halifax Raiders, who got three touchdowns each from Shakur Jefferies and D.J. Parham in a 43-22 win in the early game October 19.

Zach Gouthro had two touchdowns and Mike Boylen one for the Bulldogs, who trailed 31-6 at halftime and scored their final two touchdowns in the second half, Boylen’s score also coming in the final minute.

The game completed the regular season for the Peewee Bulldogs, who finished 4-4, having won three straight prior to the October 19 loss. The Peewees have this weekend off, and will next see action Nov. 1 in a Tier 2 playoff semifinal.

The Bantam Bulldogs had the weekend off; in fact, they will not have played for almost three weeks when they meet the Halifax Chargers October 25 at 10 a.m. in Canning. First place will be on the line, with the Bantam Bulldogs (7-0) also trying to complete an undefeated regular season. The Chargers and Timberlea are both at 6-1, and a Valley loss could create a three-way tie for first place.