Cobras sting Spartans in provincial quarters

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore High School Spartans were in tough as they drew the number one ranked Cochrane High School Cobras for their Tier III football provincial quarterfinal matchup.
Tied 7-7 after the first quarter, the Cobras dominated down the stretch, downing the Spartans 71-14.
Still tied in the second, the Spartans were marching when quarterback Isaac Wegner was drilled and forced to leave the game with an upper body injury. With Wegner on the bench for the second quarter, the Cobras struck with a pair of touchdowns, seizing control.
“They are a really good team. We were hanging in with them for a bit, but then they flexed their muscles and took over,” said Spartans head coach Travis Gorksi.
Wegner dove in for a quarterback sneak from the one-yard line and Kevin Agboro ran one in from five yards out for the Spartans two touchdowns.
This marked the end of a very successful season for the Spartans and the best in Gorski’s three seasons with the school.
“The boys laid the groundwork for a tradition of excellence. They set the expectations high for this program. It was nice to see them get rewarded for all their hard work they put in this season. I’m really proud of these guys,” said Gorski.
The Spartans should be able to run it back with 27 of their 36 players eligible to return. However, the graduating players will be missed.
Wegner and one of his favourite targets Isaiah Simwamu, defensive tackle Garrett Gatto, linebacker Misi Varga will be moving on.
“Isaac had a remarkable season. He came in with no QB experience and had an MVP campaign for us. Isaiah didn’t have a lot of confidence last year but turned into a scoring threat this year,” said Gorski. “This was my first full group of graduating players that started the same year I got here. There were so many spots of growth from when they were in Grade 10 until now. They have turned into some fine young men.”
Rounding out the graduating class are Austin Wasut, Kashtin Winnipeg and Chevy Winnipeg.
The Cobras now take on the Cardston Cougars in the semifinal and will play the winner of the Holy Rosary Raiders and St. Albert Skyhawks in the provincial final.