The Drumheller senior Titans were back under Friday Night Lights for the first time this season and the players, coaches, and fans were happy to see the squad back on the gridiron.
The Titans hosted the Hanna Hawks on Friday, September 25, although it was a bit different than what fans are used to. So far this season league play has been cancelled, however, the two teams were able to cohort and play in an exhibition home and away series.
What else was different was the Titans were playing Hanna’s game. The Hawks typically play six-man and have been successful at it. In fact, they are the defending provincial champions. While the game shares most rules, the field is made thinner and because there are fewer players on the field, there is more spacing and more running.
“There is a lot of room to go for long runs,” said Coach Ken Fournier. “We expected them to be a worthy group at six-man, Hanna did a great job, they have a heck of a running game, and they played their system well.”
The Titans did manage to adjust and play well. Despite that, Fournier said Hanna scored seven touchdowns to the Titans four.
“I thought we did okay, Running in six-man is a little more difficult than we had thought, the timing for blocking was different,” said Fournier adding there was three potential touchdown passes that would have boosted the team’s score, but they were incomplete.
In all, they were happy to get players out on the field. The style of the game also highlighted the importance of learning and sticking to the fundamentals. It also allowed coaches to cycle players in and out of the line.
“Every opportunity for them to develop and learn is important,” said Fournier.
This Friday, the Titans are heading to Hanna to play on their field. After that coach Fournier said they could partner with another team, however, they would have to wait the prescribed 14 days before they could meet on the field.
