Sun win one for fallen mate

Photo: Contributed - Twitter

The Langley Rams and VI Raiders huddled together following their game Saturday to remember Okanagan Sun linebacker JT Fernandez.

The Okanagan Sun made JT Fernandez proud.

Playing with heavy hearts just two days after their teammate was found deceased, the Sun put forth their most complete game of the season, pounding the visiting Westshore Rebels 92-7.

It was their biggest offensive output in franchise history and largest margin of victory since an 87-0 thrashing of the now defunct Abbotsford Air Force back in 1991.

Photo: Contributed - Twitter

The Okanagan Sun remembered teammate JT Fernandez with a special mark on the 32 yard line.

Things didn't star well for the Sun as the Rebels took the opening kickoff and march down to the Sun one yard line.

However, on the next play the defence would force a fumble and recover...the first of four fumble recoveries and seven turnovers on the night.

Running back Alex Bradley rambled for 102 yards on the next play setting up a short touchdown run by running mate Dillon Fortune.

The Sun never looked back from there.

On their next possession, quarterback Josiah Joseph hooked up with Tomas Huber on a 42 yard touchdown to put the Sun up 14-0.

Robbie Yochim took over from there.

Following a two-and-out, Yochim took the punt and scampered 42 yards for the first of his club record three punt return touchdowns on the night and the rout was on.

The Sun led 21-7 after one quarter, 48-7 at the half and 75-7 after three quarters.

In all, the Sun found the end zone an even dozen times on the night.

Joseph, making his second straight start, finished his night a perfect 7 for 7 for 139 yards and three touchdowns to Huber, Pierre-Luc Lord, and Lerone Robinson.

Back-up Matt Calderwood mopped up completing 3 of 5 for 69 yards including a 62 yard touchdown strike to Robinson.

Bradley led another devastating running game with 171 yards on 10 carries including that 102 yard run.

Bradley also found the end zone as did Fortune, Armand Bokitch, Kory Nagata and Calderwood.

Huber converted 11 of the 12 majors and also booted three field goals.

Following the game players and parents gathered on the field to remember Fernandez.

That fellowship extended far beyond the gates of the Apple Bowl.

In Langley, following the game between the Rams and VI Raiders, players from both teams gathered at centre field to pray for Fernandez and his family.

The Raiders tweeted...

We might play for opposite teams but today we are all family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the @Okanagan_Sun and JT's family #RIPJT

The Sun, 7-1, host the Langley Rams next Sunday afternoon at the Apple Bowl with first place in the BCFC on the line.

The Rams moved to 6-2 with a convincing 55-14 win over the Raiders.

A win by either team would allow them to all but clinch top spot in the BCFC and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.