Sun set sights on champs

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

The last time the Langley Rams were at the Apple Bowl they won the BCFC title.

For the Okanagan Sun, the game plan is simple.

Smash the football down the throats of the Langley Rams.

The Sun get their first look at the team which ended their season last October when they host the Rams Saturday night at 7 at the Apple Bowl.

The Sun enter the game atop the BC Football Conference standings with a perfect 3-0 record. The Rams are in a three team logjam for second at 2-1.

The Sun also come in leading the league in points scored (169) and fewest points allowed (10) after convincing wins over Victoria, Chilliwack and the VI Raiders.

Saturday will be a true test for an offence which has struggled at times despite averaging more than 55 points a game and a defence which has been, in a word, dominating.

"We're faster, we're longer, we're leaner and we have more depth," said head coach Shane Beatty in comparing this year's defence with the 2014 edition.

It's also a defence which tied a BCFC record with 10 quarterback sacks a week ago in Nanaimo.

Offensively, the Sun have struggled at times.

"Our first game we had 260 yards rushing then we had 250 and last weekend we had 153. So, we're on a downward spiral," said Beatty.

"Our challenge is to get 150 plus yards rushing and try yo smash the ball down their throats."

That may be easier said than done against a stout Rams defence which features lineman Brock Gowanlock who leads the league with eight quarterback sacks and Alex Agnoletto who is among the league leaders in tackles with 12.

Offensively the Rams feature speedy running back Nathan Lund, the number two running back in the league. Lund has carried the ball 20 times for 289 yards and three touchdowns so far this season.

"It's going to be a lot of fun...it;'s going to be a battle," said Beatty.

"The grass is going to be long and they don't like that."