The Senior Drumheller Titans left it all on the field in the final game of the season, losing in the provincial semi final to Willow Creek.
The Titans were in Claresholm to take on the Wolverines. Last season the Wolverines had made it to the finals, and were hungry to return.
“It was a good football game,” said coach Ken Fournier. “The football doesn’t always bounce your way but you have to be able to respond, and it was still a battle until the last whistle.”
Coach Fourier said the Titans came out with a strong game plan, but it was thwarted when Aiden Enns, a key running back was injured in the fourth play of the game.
“That rattled our guys, but we still executed our game plan pretty well,” he said.
He said defensively they played well creating turnovers .The Wolverines had one touchdown in the first half, the rest were field goals.
“Defensively we played really well. On offense, after Aiden went down, it took a while to catch a rhythm,” said Fournier. “We were down to one running back and guys filling in. But we battled back to within four points going into the fourth quarter.”
This was after being down 14 points.
The Titans turned it over late and the Wolverines were able to take it in, to go up 26-16.
Coach Fournier was impressed with the progress the team has made.
“Look at where we started, we suited 21 players in our first game to play in the south final. It was a long year and every single person on that team deserves the credit for putting the time and effort, and putting them in the position to get there,” said Fournier.
“We were playing last year’s Tier IV finalists, so they got that taste last year and were hungry to get it back there again. My hope is that game leaves a bad taste in our guys’ mouth and we work harder to get past that game next year.”
He estimates that the Titans will be strong again next season, with much of its offense intact. They do have a strong contingent in Grade 11 on the squad. They also have a group of Grade 9 Bantams who suit up down the stretch, who show promise and improvement.
“Hopefully that translates to them being ready next fall,” said Fournier.
