Photo courtesy of Greystoke Photography

It’s been a while since a game in Week 3 has drawn so much interest, but then again Saturday’s game is filled with excitement and emotion as the Sun (2-0) host the Westshore Rebels (2-0) in a first place showdown.

The Sun have won 20 straight regular season games and once again have used defence to get out of the gate quickly here in 2016.  In the first two games they have given up just 412 yards of total offence to the opposition, 90 running yards and have allowed 44 points.  This defensive unit has forced six turnovers including three interceptions returned for a touchdown.

This weekend will easily be the defence’s toughest test so far this season.  The Rebels have their swagger back after starting very hot combining for 1,064 yards of total offence and scoring 87 points.  They have been able to have success with a well balanced attack gathering 642 yards on the ground and 484 through the air.

The Rebels defence has also been solid, allowing 56 points and an incredible 240 yards on the ground against the Rams and Raiders who traditionally have an excellent ground game.  That said, this will be first time this defence has experienced natural grass and will come into a rockin’ venue like the Apple Bowl.

The Sun offence has progressed nicely under the new coaching staff.  The “O” has scored a Conference leading 101 points using both the run and pass effectively.  Though the Sun offensive numbers aren’t as impressive as the Rebels, they have taken advantage of their opportunities.  In the first two games the Sun has rushed for 316 yards and thrown for 384.  Last weekend in Kamloops was obviously difficult to throw the ball in the pouring rain.

Keith Zyla has appeared to have taken over the #1 quarterback role completing 11 of his first 15 passes and has recorded 270 yards, throwing four touchdown passes and has run for one as well.  He is a very mobile pivot, something the Rebels have yet to face this season.

As the Rebels look for ways to stop Zyla and company, the Sun defence has an equally difficult task in stopping (or slowing down) running back Jamel Lyles.  Following his 32 carries and 270 yards last weekend, Lyles has amassed 338 yards on 43 carries, averaging 7.9 yards a carry in the first two games and has scored two touchdowns.  The return of All-Canadian Jonas Gering to the Sun “D” will bolster an already impressive defensive line of Lucas Machado, Conner Novak, Kent Lawrence and Elias Rodriguez.

If the Sun can slowdown the run game, the Rebels will use the arm of Scott Borden.  Last week in his first career CJFL start he completed 10 passes for 343 yards and threw three touchdowns.  When the Rebels go to the air the Sun secondary will need to be ready, something veterans Jamie Turek, Raquille Cespedes and Beck Fullerton are preparing for.

Both teams have done an excellent job in making second half adjustments.   The Rebels for instance have scored 57 of their 87 points in the second half.  This will be crucial on Saturday night as the third quarter could make or break it for one of these teams.

With emotions running high in this game, discipline will be critical.  These two teams are the most penalized teams in the BCFC, the Sun taking 47 penalties in the first two games while the Rebels have been flagged 48 times.

Saturday night the Sun kick-off a rare three game home stand and tickets for the match-up against the Rebels are on sale now HERE.  Kick-off on Saturday night is set for 7:00pm with the winner taking sole possession of first place.