After a loss to Sylvan Lake last week, the Stettler Wildcats will finish their season vying for third place against Rocky Mountain House in a home game this week.
The Wildcats played in Sylvan Lake on Thursday, Oct. 23, losing 56-28 despite a valiant effort.
“It was close at one point,” said head coach Norbert Baharally, noting that their hosts had taken a 28-0 lead when the Wildcats managed two consecutive touchdowns, each with conversions, bringing the score to 28-16.
However, the Wildcats then executed an incorrect play following a kickoff, an error from which they couldn’t recover. Sylvan Lake returned the kickoff, earning a touchdown and expanding their lead to 35-16.
“We lost momentum at that time,” said Baharally. “It just kind of changed from there.”
He highlighted the efforts of several players, including Thomas Cassidy, who completed a long run resulting in a touchdown, and Mike Loblaw on defense.
Baharally also had high praise for the Grade 12 players as a whole, noting that it was their last chance at a title, and their efforts showed it.
“They played their hearts out,” he said. “They left everything on the field.”
Baharally said the team will need to focus its efforts towards stopping Rocky Mountain House, describing them as solid competitors.
“We’ll have to make sure we stay low when we tackle them,” he said, adding that the Wildcats will also need to execute plays correctly and avoid mental errors.
“Hopefully, we’ll come out on top,” he said, adding that it would be great to end the season with a win at home.
The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30. evening, Oct. 21.