“This is what I expected,” suggested Trent Senger, head coach of the SHHS senior football program following a tight 14-7 win over MCS Thursday afternoon on home field.

MCS drew to within scoring range twice in the game’s last 3:06 but ended up turning the ball over on downs each time.

“They are a big, physical team. They’re bigger than us,” he said.

Melville had no problem advancing the football down the field. They had plenty of trouble converting on 3rd down attempts.

They moved the ball upfield with 7:15 left but ran out of space on a 3rd-and-long.

“We were fortunate today,” admitted Senger.

Melville’s Evan Paradis did most of the ground work for MCS, including scoring their only touchdown of the game which came in the second half.

Senger said he wasn’t thrilled about the way MCS moved their defence and said that is something that is going to need some improvements as the season goes on.

“We made some mistakes defensively (but) we deserved to win (today).”

He also noted that a MCS mistake on Yorkton’s 1-yard line may have saved Yorkton the game.

“Their fumble on our 1-yard line…”

Next action in Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association 9-man football action is scheduled for tomorrow (Sept. 27) when SHHS takes on Foam Lake, said Senger. Game time is 4 p.m.