Spartans spank Hawks

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

An aerial attack elevated the Strathmore High School Spartans over the W.H. Croxford Cavaliers 27-6 in an exhibition game Sept. 30 at Strathmore High School field.
The Spartans offence was tied up in the first quarter. The Cavaliers were blitzing every down, resulting in a scoreless tie after one.
“They were loading the box early, they were sending eight down with only four guys left to cover,” said Spartans head coach Travis Gorski when talking about the Cavaliers’ defensive scheme. “When we see eight up front, we try to catch them off balance by coming out and throwing the ball.”
It wasn’t pretty in the beginning: senior quarterback Isaac Wegner started 1-for-5 on pass attempts but was able to get the ball rolling in the second quarter.
Kevin Agboro netted his first touchdown last week and put the Spartans on the board when he received a five-yard catch on third and goal. He added a 34-yard scamper to pay dirt late in the fourth quarter to put the Cavaliers away.
“Kevin is a shifty player for us. As a Grade 10 kid, being able to produce in a senior game is pretty impressive. He has had some experience in the past and it shows,” said Gorski.
“We started out slow today and that’s something we need to work on; we didn’t have our head in the game,” said Spartans slotback Agboro.
Gorski and his staff have used a valiant 18-14 loss to the heralded Medicine Hat Mohawks earlier in the season as a way to try and get his team back on track.
“When our pass offence wasn’t working, coach pulled us aside and reminded us of that Med Hat game. He said that if we were playing Med Hat right now, we would be getting blown out,” said Agboro. “That Med Hat game showed us what we are capable of and that we shouldn’t have a problem playing teams like this.”
The Cavaliers tried to get their offence rolling in the second quarter as well. They started connecting on passes to the flats and that gave Gorksi’s defence some trouble.
The Cavaliers punched in their only touchdown immediately following a play that Grade 10 cornerback Nathan Cayouette would like to have back.
Cayouette was tight with his man in coverage when the pass was underthrown. Cayouette abandoned his man to make a play for the ball, but the ball slipped right through his hands. The very next play, the Cavaliers’ running back Keegan Proudlock connected on a 40-yard touchdown reception with just over 30 seconds remaining in the half.
That didn’t slow Cayouette down at all. He remained focused in the second half, helping out on tackles, and picked up the hit of the game when he plastered the Cavaliers receiver along the left sideline.
“He’s another Grade 10 that does a lot for us. Teams will often try to go at him, but it’s rare to see plays being made on his side of the field,” said Gorski.
The win springboarded the Spartans (1-1 in league play, 2-0 in exhibition matches) up to ninth in the Tier III provincial rankings. It is the first time they have been ranked in the Top 10 this season.
The Spartans return to Rangeland Football Conference action Oct. 6, when they travel to Medicine Hat to take on the Crescent Heights High School Vikings at the Methanex Bowl.
Their next home game goes Friday, Oct. 14, when the McCoy High School Colts arrive at Strathmore High School field.