The St. Paul Lions advanced to the provincial final in a 20-10 home win against the Stettler Wildcats on a cold Saturday afternoon.
Head coach Mark Tichkowsky called the semi-final triumph “crazy.”
“This is awesome. We’ve never done this before, first time in history, first time to the big show,” said Tichkowsky of the Nov. 17 game.
He said he’s very pleased with how the Lions played, especially in the second half.
“Our boys played well for the full game. At half-time we said we have to come in and win the second half. Which they did, they kept them off the board,” said Tichkowsky, tipping his hat to the defensive and offensive lines and the special teams, all of whom scored points for the Lions in a game that was too close to call at half-time.
The Lions led 13-10 going in to the third quarter until receiver Josh Foote scored the insurance punt return, bringing the score to 20-10.
“It feels great to help out the team and help win,” said Foote after the game. “It feels great to make new history and go on, and hopefully win.”
“Stettler is a hard nosed, big football team with a lot of Grade 12 and we were worried about that because they have a lot of football knowledge. But our boys came to play today which is why home field advantage is a good thing,” said Tichkowsky.
Home field advantage was a real thing for the Lions, playing on the frozen grass in temperatures of -10C but feeling like -19C. The stands were filled with people showing their support, wrapped in quilts and blankets and drinking from thermoses in an effort to keep warm as they cheered on the team.
“We appreciate all of them, each and every one. Big part of why we won was that home field advantage,” said Lions captain Owen Breast.
Going forward, the Lions are planning their strategy for the provincial championship game.
“First of all, get film from down south and break it down and then come up with our defensive scheme and our offensive scheme,” said Tichkowsky.
The Lions will play against the Canmore Wolverines in the final, scheduled for Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in Fort McMurray.
