Week 4 of the Sylvan Lake Minor Football season delivered a full slate of action, with teams showing grit, growth, and flashes of brilliance. From the Lakers’ return to HJ Cody Field, to the Lions’ defensive standouts, the Tigers’ quarterback debut, and the Bears’ dominant win, it was a weekend packed with storylines and highlights.
LAKERS
HJ Cody Lakers went into another game with low numbers against a strong Hunting Hills Lightning squad. Despite a valiant effort, the Lakers were unable to overcome the much larger Lightning roster and suffered a 35-0 loss. Even with the final score, there were many positives to take away
from HJ Cody Field, which hosted Lakers action for the first time in two years.
The Lakers continue to display grit and character, highlighted by exceptional performances from their veteran players.
Ben Flanders was named Player of the Game after a monstrous performance - leading the Lakers and making plays all over the field on both sides of the ball. Ozzy Koller and Jack Orich continued to excel, making big offensive plays and each grabbing an interception on defence. Dominic Silvernagle shone on special teams with some huge kick returns that consistently set the offence up with good field position.
LIONS
The Bantam Lions played their third game of the season on Saturday, facing stiff competition in
the Lindsay Thurber Jr. Raiders. The game stayed close in the first half, but after a few missed plays the Raiders pulled away, handing the Lions their third loss of the season, 22-12.
First-year defensive end Dominic Chubala was named Player of the Game. He was dominant on his side, making numerous tackles for losses and capping off his outstanding performance with an interception and a 15-yard return.
TIGERS
The Atom Tigers were back in Rocky for another double-header, this time squaring off against
Innisfail and Lacombe. Innisfail proved to be the tougher challenge, with their defence stifling the Tigers’ normally high-powered offence. However, the Tigers rebounded in the second game with a much stronger performance against Lacombe.
The highlight came from Lucas Duberville in his debut at quarterback, completing his first pass to TE Conner Ross for a big 20-yard gain!
BEARS
The bright spot of the weekend came from the U13 Bears, who turned in another dominant performance on the road with a decisive 40-0 victory over the previously undefeated Red Deer Servus Bucks.
The offence was impressive on this day, sparked by quarterback Brock Orich’s best performance of the season. Orich kept the Bucks defence off balance with a mix of running and passing, utilizing multiple receivers, and running in a couple of touchdowns himself.
The Bears’ defence was relentless, led by 2024 Outstanding Defensive Player Luke Johnson, who earned the Player of the Game award.
LOOKING AHEAD
Three of the four teams return to the friendly confines of HJ Cody Field this weekend. The Lakers look to bounce back at home against the CamroseTrojans on Friday at 4 p.m. The Lions continue to develop their young squad and will try to enter the win column against the always-tough Notre DameJr. Cougars on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Tigers head to Red Deer for a double-header against the Red Deer Bucks and Rocky Rebels,while the Bears aim to keep their undefeated season alive with a 3 p.m. tilt against the 1-2 Stettler Panthers.
