In only his second mixed martial arts (MMA) bout, Drumheller native Andrew Kloot might be getting a reputation as someone to watch out for.
    This past Friday, Kloot was on the bill as part of Aggression FC 12 in Calgary. Kloot shocked fans, and perhaps most of all his opponent, when he won the fight in a blistering 22 seconds.
    “It didn’t last too long. I caught him pretty early. I could see his hands were pretty low, so I threw a combination, caught him, and backed off for a second. Then, I came at him again, hit him pretty hard so he went down, hit him in the stomach, and then the ref stopped the fight,” said Kloot.
    Kloot, a MMA rookie, was pitted against veteran fighter Keegan Cassell after his original opponent, who was a rookie as well, dropped out.
    “The original guy [he was to fight] broke a rib during training, so they offered me this guy. He had a lot more experience. He was 3-3 and had won his last three, so he was on a bit of a tear,” said Kloot. “It was a little more nerve racking fighting a guy with more experience, but it worked out in the end.”
    Kloot used  a flurry of strikes to keep his opponent at a distance and counter any chance for Cassell to get in close and grapple.
    “He was supposed to be more of a grappler and wrestler. I knew I would have a better chance standing up and moving, so he wouldn’t be able to take me down. That game plan worked out,” said Kloot.
    Family and friends from Drumheller made the trek out to Calgary to see the fight, something for which Kloot is extremely grateful.
    “I really appreciate everyone who made the trip down to watch,” said Kloot. “My parents were really relieved I won. My mom refused to go to the fight, because she was scared. My dad was there.”
    The win is the second of Kloot’s MMA career. The first came in April in B.C. when he knocked out his opponent in one minute. Afterwards, he took a little break and had to work hard to get back in shape for this fight.
    “I think I’m there. It took awhile to get back in shape, but I feel I’m back where I was and my technique is as good as it's ever been. I’m going to keep learning and getting better and better,” said Kloot.
    His next fight is scheduled for December 14 at the Century Casino in Calgary. Kloot will be taking on another rookie in ring. After the fight, Kloot hopes to take a little break.
    “I’ve got my next fight lined up. Then, I’ll probably take a break for a few months, keep training, and get another fight,” said Kloot. “Next year I might go pro.”
    To see the fight, visit

    “We got ‘er done,” said Coach Ken Fournier as the Titans take the next step towards extending their post season.
    The Titans hosted Pincher Creek on Saturday in the provincial quarterfinal. This was a matchup of like offenses to see who could execute better. The Titans were firing on all cylinders on offense and holding strong on defense. Pincher Creek’s only touchdown came early in the fourth quarter as the Titans won 21-7.
    “Defensively there was a lot of questions going up against another double wing offense, because it is hard to stop,” said Fournier. “We made a few adjustments and looked for a few areas to attack, and our defense stepped up and did well. So well they basically abandoned the double wing by halftime.”
    He said versatility of the Titans defense won the day.
    “We moved guys to different spots. Our cornerbacks played great containing everything inside. Our linebackers and linemen …were consistent on defense.
    On offense Spencer Fournier was on top of his game with two touchdowns. Josh Weeteringen also made good gains and a touchdown.
    “It is good to see our running backs strong in our line up. That combination works really good together when they are moving the ball up the field,” said Fournier.
    Ben Huculuk also had a good game, moving the ball an average eight yards per carry.
    “Everybody is contributing and that is why we are having success in the late part of our season. Everybody understands their responsibilities on the field and they are working together,” said Fournier.
    While the Titans were able to keep a lead, Pincher Creek was able to keep threatening, led by a strong presence from their quarterback. The Titans were able to hold on.
    Coach Fournier said this season prepared the Titans for the changes Pincher Creek threw at them.
    “After those exhibition games we saw some really wild offenses and pretty strange defenses, we are pretty much prepared. Pincher Creek went from a double wing to a quad spread offence and our guys just motioned out, it didn’t surprise them at all,” said Fournier
     The Titans are on to the semifinal and will be facing Willow Creek of Claresholm, a perennially strong team.
    “They are in the same situation as us, a smaller school, so they have new guys every year who need to get in the line-up and get experience and they have good coaches. There is no surprise they are coming on late in the season,” said Fournier. “They lost a number of guys but they have some good young talent. Defensively they are pretty strong.”
    Last year the Titans knocked Claresholm out in the first round.
    “They were fixing for a good result last year and they were not too happy, so they are going to be looking for revenge,” said Fournier.
    The Titans face Willow Creek at home this Saturday at 1 p.m.
    “They are a good balanced team on both sides of the ball, whether it is running or passing, it should be a good game.”