Sports | DrumhellerMail

Titans advance to Provincial semi final

    The Titans are one step closer to the provincial finals after routing Willow Creek in front of a chilly but ecstatic crowd at DVSS field Saturday.
     The Titans, coming off a convincing league championship win, were into the provincial quarterfinals against the perennially strong Claresholm team. The Titans dominated with a 38-20 win.
   “We didn’t lose the ball, and we capitalized on their mistakes,” said head coach Ken Fournier.
   More than capitalizing on mistakes, the defense forced Willow Creek into errors.
   “Our defense forced three fumbles and took the ball out of the air twice,” said Fournier.
   Braden Scriven ran in the first touchdown for the Titans, and Spencer Fournier had four. The name of the game however was defence.
“For our defense, it was one of the most physical games they have played,” said Fournier, adding Dale Poulsen had a strong game for the team.
   This now puts the Titans up against St. Timothy’s Thunder of Cochrane for the southern final and provincial semifinal. Fournier said they do not know much about the St. Timothy’s squad. They do not play in our league, however they earned their spot there with a provincial #10 ranking and a win over High River.
   “I don’t think they will be a push over, but we’re not the underdogs here,” said Fournier. “We know a little bit about them but not a whole lot.”
   “We will prepare for the type of offense they have. For scouting purposes, it is not going to be to our advantage, but if they haven’t scouted us, and don’t know what kind of offense or defense we have, it is going to be difficult for them to practice in just a short week.”
   If the Titans are successful this weekend they will face either Ardrossen, who are ranked # 2, or the West Central Rebels #6, who upset the #1 ranked Holy Rosary Rebels.
Ardrossen has a program that ranks high every year.
   “They have a really good program, they always have athletes and a really fast team. They are competitive,” said Fournier.
   Before they get to that point, the Titans will be battling The Thunder this Saturday at the DVSS field at 1 p.m.

Titans, Willow Creek primed for rematch

    The Titans’ march into the post season continues this Saturday at DVSS, and they are seeing familiar faces along the way.
   Last season Willow Creek beat the Titans out of contention with a 29-22 victory in the quarterfinals. It was a game that both teams will not soon forget.
   “It will be a good game,” said coach Ken Fournier. “It is not going to be a blow out. It is going to be whoever controls the ball, and whoever doesn’t make mistakes.”
   Willow Creek beat Pincher Creek in their league final. The first time Willow Creek and Pincher Creek met, Pincher Creek was victorious.
   “The difference for me is the coaching, because they gave them a second opportunity,” said Fournier.
   Willow Creek runs a similar offence, and last year was a big year for Willow Creek with a highly skilled senior class.
   “They are definitely as skilled as last year, but they still have that element of really good coaching and a solid program,” said Fournier. “No matter what team they play, they will show up in provincials ready to go.”
   This year Willow Creek ended the season ranked fourth, and the Titans are ranked third. Both have had stellar seasons, and both want to extend their season.
   Fournier said last year’s loss in the quarter finals has been a keystone for the team, motivating them to get back into the same position. In the quarterfinals, the Titans were down early but battled all the way back.
   “Last year we scored 22 points in a half against an undefeated team. They are going to remember that, and we are going to remember that. Even if it was last season it is a building block towards this season,” said Fournier.
   The Titans play Saturday at DVSS field. Fournier is grateful for the community support of the team. In lead up to the league finals signs have been going up in homes and businesses throughout town in support of the team. The Sports Room has also produced “Terrible Towels” for fans to cheer on the team.
   They are hoping for a strong show of support from fans this Saturday. Game time, 1 p.m.

Bantam Titans wrap up best season ever

    The bantam Titans wrapped up their season last Saturday versus the Olds Bulldogs.
   Despite being beaten out of the playoffs and not continuing to provincials, coach Paul Redmond said this was the best season ever.
   The bantams finished the regular season with a 3-3 record. The post season for the Bantams began against a strong Lindsay Thurber team on October 22. The Titans were missing their star running back Josh Weeteringen, who had a concussion. The Titans were able to move the ball and shut down the Red Deer school’s passing game, but fell 49-0.
   This put them into the consolation round last weekend, and a win would have propelled them into the Tier 3 provincial playoffs.
   They faced Olds for the second time this season, this time missing Weeteringen. Olds jumped out to a 30-0 lead, but also met misfortune and lost a key player, which evened out the teams.
   The Titans went on an offensive charge and Aden Enns marched four touchdowns into the end zone. It wasn’t enough to make up the difference as Olds went on to win 36-28.
   Even after the strong season, the team is looking good, they will be losing about eight players, and some of the strong elements will remain.
   “We are looking good for next year,” said Redmond.

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