Finals for bantam football

Times Reporter

 

After finishing 6-0 on their bantam season, the Strathmore Spartans took on the Stettler Cougars at home on Oct. 26, for the Central League semi-finals; the Spartans prevailed 41-16.

“The game was great,” said Spartans coach Doug Klauck. “We started off slow, it was tough in the first quarter of the game. It eventually got better; the more the game went on, the more we started to wear them down. By halftime, we had the game in our hold.”

After the half, with a score of 32-8, words were exchanged between Klauck and the Stettler coach, leading to both being ejected from the game.

“There was a lot of dirty play going on. I said something I shouldn’t have said. I just had enough. They were trying to injure our players,” Klauck said.

The feelings between the coaches were not translated to the field, as all Spartans showed great sportsmanship – helping up Cougars after plays, and shouting encouragements to their opposition.

“It’s something we encourage, but with this group, this year, the sportsmanship is far above anything we’ve ever expected,” Klauck said. “On more than one occasion, we’ve had referees and other coaches compliment us on our players.”

The Spartans had 217 points for during the season, and only 34 points against (including 4 shutout); they now will travel to face Lacombe for the first time this year, in the Central Finals on Nov. 2.

“They finished first in the north, we finished first in the south. I have no idea what to expect from them, but I know they’re a very good team,” Klauck said.

Should the Spartans achieve another win, they will move on to provincials the following weekend. 

Unfortunately, the peewee Spartans will not continue with their season, after losing 38-22 to the Stettler Cougars also on Oct. 26.