Bantam Spartans impress in Innisfail

Times Editor

 

The Strathmore Spartans bantam football team improved to 2-3 on the season with an impressive win on the road in Innisfail Oct. 2.

After starting the season 0-3, the Spartans have made huge strides in their game and are riding a two game winning streak.

“We were lucky to escape the first half with the lead,” said head coach Rob Musselman in an e-mail to the Times. “For some reason or another we seem to be having slow starts to the games in the last two weeks.” 

Despite the slow start, the Spartans ended the first half with a 12-6 lead. Middle linebacker Kyle Neufeld continued his strong play this season, when he opened the scoring after grabbing a fumble and running it back for the touchdown. 

Nick Ellis continues to be a force on both offensive and defensive lines. He had another multi-sack game with a blocked field goal. Ryan Deines also had a touchdown in the first half. 

“In the second half we (decided) to win – which is what the team needs to do,” said the coach. “When this team decides it will be the best on the field, we are very hard to beat. We had strong ball control in the second half and only had two turnovers on the game.” 

The defense, led by Kyle Neufeld, was outstanding in the second half, causing the Cyclones to have negative net yardage. Repeatedly the defence would pin them third and 15 or 20. 

“The offense played very well – doing what we do best – that’s running between the tackles,” said Musselman.

Ryan Deines had over one hundred yards rushing and three touchdowns on the day. Brandon Labonte had over 75 yards on the ground, while slot back Kenny Lemay, who has been an integral piece of the offense all year, also broke the plane for his first of the year.