Lumsden 63 Esterhazy 6

The Lumsden Devils opened up the 2009 campaign in style Tuesday afternoon with a 63-6 thrashing of the visiting Esterhazy Warriors.

The Devils were coming off of a blow-out victory in the pre-season over the defending 9-man provincial champion Humboldt Mohawks and they didn't seem to slow down.

"(Esterhazy) was a big tough team and played us tough," said Lumsden coach Luke Dunville after the win. "They played us much better than the score suggests. We were just a little crisper in our execution and our tackling."

Special teams played a big role in the victory as well with Lumsden scoring majors on both a punt return and a kick-off return.

With the score out of reach it meant playing time for some of the younger players.

"Ya that is a nice part is that everyone gets a lot of playing time."

Esterhazy did manage to create some offence with the deep pass but could only manage 6 points in the game.

With the win the Devils (1-0) are now tied atop the Conference 3 standings with Sacred Heart and Swan River.