The Senior Titans continue to learn tough lessons as they march towards the post season.
Last week the Titans were under Friday night lights in Brooks and were dealt a blow. Brooks are currently ranked ninth at the Tier 3 level and were led by an impressive quarterback. The Titans at times seemed not ready for Brooks.
“Our biggest downfall was we fumbled the ball five times and they recovered them,” said head coach Ken Fournier. “That’s five turnovers and they capitalized on all of them. You can’t win against very many teams when you hand them the ball.”
Despite this, he said the Titans were actually moving the ball quite well, but ball protection was lacking. On defense the Titans were simply a step behind, missing tackles. Brooks’ quarterback could advance the ball in the air or scramble for yards. They took a 35-22 win.
The Titans have a skinny league schedule with only two other teams, and made a concerted effort to arrange games with more competitive teams that play at higher levels. It has been a mixed blessing. It has allowed the Titans to identify their weaknesses, but at the same time it appears they may have stalled some motivation.
“I think it is complacency on the part of the players, I think they took these exhibition games a lot lighter than they should have. These are games where you are supposed to improve and work on everything against tough opponents and really show what you can do,” said Fournier.
“We did the right thing by picking the right opponents, it is just unfortunate we didn’t capitalize on the opportunities while they were there. It is a lesson these guys are going to have to learn before provincials if we make it there, because it is going to be a battle.”
He said Justin Schinnour was a standout on defense versus Brooks.
“He played really well for the defense, and offensively Josh Weeteringen had a really good game,” said Fournier.
The Titans continue league play this weekend as they travel to Canmore to play Bow Valley. They are back home on October 20 to play Olds.
