Spartans comeback falls short

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

In what was a tale of two halves, the Strathmore High School Spartans dug themselves too deep a hole in the first half and were unable to complete a miraculous comeback, losing 47-28 to the Crescent Heights High School Vikings in Rangeland Football Conference action Oct. 6 at the Methanex Bowl.
“We really struggled in the first half. We were unable to sustain any long drives,” said Spartans head coach Travis Gorski.
The Spartans trailed 28-0 at half time.
Spartans pivot Isaac Wegner completed 13 out of 27 passes for 205 yards, three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
Noah Desjardins, a Grade 10 student, led the Spartans with five catches for 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
It was a case of one step forward, two steps back in the second half for Gorski’s crew. The Spartans were stitching drives together, but had trouble completely shutting down the Colts charging offence. A pair of Colts touchdowns of more than 40 yards broke the Spartans back.
The Spartans still control their own destiny. It’s a win-and-you’re-in scenario; if they beat the McCoy Colts at home Friday, Oct. 14 (4 p.m.), then they are in the playoffs. If they lose, they are in a three-way tie for the remaining playoff spot.
As it stands right now, the Medicine Hat High School Mohawks and the Vikings are tied for the top spot, with the Spartans, Colts and Brooks Buffalos chasing down the remaining two seeds.
“I like the way we match up with the Colts. If we play our game and be disciplined, we should be fine,” said Gorski.
The Spartans are looking to join the postseason fun after missing out last year.
League semifinals go Oct. 21 with the finals wrapping up the following Friday, Oct. 28.