There was a redemption of sort as the Drumheller Senior Titan bounced back from their home opener and beat Bow Valley of Canmore 21-13, a team which was ranked sixth going into last Saturday’s game.
Just two games into the season, and the Drumheller Senior Titans are starting to get a little respect, moving up to eighth place in the provincial rankings in the team’s division.
The Titans followed up an unlikely 1-1 tie at their home debut on September 5, with a win in Canmore on Saturday, September 12. Coach Rasmussen said it was a matter of pride for some of the players.
“We started really fast. I think mentally we were much more prepared for this game, and the team knew the severity of the mistakes they made last game, and they knew by the week of practice they had, they could remedy those problems,” said Rasmussen. “They wanted to go out there and prove to the coaches and themselves they are much better than that, and they showed us.”
The final was 21-13 for the Titans. He said the defense was the factor. Both Canmore touchdowns came when special teams were on the field; one was a kick return, and the other was a defensive recovery in the Titans’ end zone.
“Our defense just continues to be impressive,” said coach Rasmussen. “In two games our defense has not given up a touchdown, and that is impressive.”
This year Rasmussen admits their defense doesn’t have the size it has had in previous seasons, but they make up for it in speed.
“It’s nice to having these great big guys out there, but if you have a smart, well coached, aggressive, agile and fast defense, man, that’s good,” said coach Rasmussen.
Rasmussen said the offense played well, and were bolstered by the fact that quarterback Bradon Mahon was back in the line-up for Saturday’s game. They were up against a tough defensive team.
“The offence played well, I won’t say they played great,” said Rasmussen. “The Canmore defense made sure we were just good, not great.”
He said Canmore has a wildcat offense with two running backs posing problems for the Titans’ defense, but they adjusted and made them non-factors. At one point of the game, the defense stopped Canmore at their one-yard line for three straight downs.
He says the Titans have the potential to continue moving up the ranks.
The team has a bye this week, and then is on to High River. High River has a passing offense, a polar opposite to the Titans.
“Were going to run the ball down their throat, and they are going to throw it over their head,” said Rasmussen.
Before Saturday’s game the team from Canmore was ranked sixth in the province at the Tier 4 level.
