The Drumheller Senior Titans had a stormy start to their season last Friday. In their first game as part of the Rangeland League, the Titans lost by a narrow 20-19.
The weather threatened to force the game to be cancelled, but both the players and fans were steadfast against the storm for some great Friday night football at the Drumheller Valley Secondary School field.
The Titans got off to a great start against the Crescent Heights Vikings, leading 14-0 by the end of the first half. The Titans running game led the charge and the defense made sure the Vikings couldn’t gain a foothold in the game.
“When things were going right, we moved the ball well. The defense played great. Alan Lister took the lead on defense. He was all over the field making tackles,” said head coach Ken Fournier.
Alan Lister tackles one of the Crescent Heights Vikings at the Titans home opener on Friday, August 30. Lister was all over the field crushing the Vikings offense whenever possible. The Titans got off to a great start, leading 14-0 by the end of the first half, but the Vikings came back to win 20-19. The Titans next game is this Friday at 7 p.m. at the DVSS field.
However, the Vikings went berserk in the second half. Soon, the Titans found themselves neck-and-neck in their first regular season game of the 2013 season. By the end of the game, the Vikings came back to win it 20-19.
“They (Crescent Heights) were the Rangeland champions last year, so if you give a little bit of room and they’ll take it. They’re a really good football team. If you’re going to lose a close game, that’s how you want to do it. It was a battle right to the end and they (Crescent Heights) came out ready to fight after half time,” said Fournier.
The Titans had difficulty breaking past the renewed Vikings defense.
“We had a couple chances to put it away in the fourth, but couldn’t capitalize on those scoring opportunities. One factor was we were a bit short of bodies, so the boys were playing a bit of an ironman and getting tired by the fourth quarter. You pay the price for that. We also have a lot of young guys in the squad who are still learning. Typically, when you have a lead like that, you want to put it away, but all it takes is a big play or hit to turn things around,” said Fournier.
The game marked the home opener for the Titans first season in the Rangeland League. The Titans made the change earlier this year, hoping for some new competition.
“We wanted to go into a new league and play different teams and have a bit more competition. We got what we asked for, but win or lose, they’re exciting games,” said Fournier.
The Titans are back in action at home on Friday, September 6, at the DVSS field when they take on the Strathmore Spartans. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
Until then, the Titans will be busy practicing to get their first win of the season.
“Now, we’ll get back to the basics and keep working hard,” said Fournier.
