It was a bittersweet football weekend for the H.J. Cody Lakers and the Bantam Lions. While both teams earned decisive victories, the suspension of both teams’ season due to the teachers’ strike, cast a shadow over the celebrations.
LAKERS
Kicking off our Week 6 roundup, the Lakers continued their outstanding season with a commanding 56–0 win over the Lindsay Thurber Raiders.
The defense once again bent but didn’t break, notching back-to-back stellar performances and their second shutout of the season.
Offensively, the Lakers dominated both the run and pass games, with multiple players finding the end zone. This week’s Player of the Game honors go to Jayden Kerr, who scored his first touchdown of the season, broke off several big runs and contributed multiple tackles on both defense and special teams.
LIONS
The Bantam Lions finally found their rhythm in all phases of the game, turning in an impressive performance as they routed the Lindsay Thurber Junior Raiders 63–0 for their first victory of the season. With a balanced attack through the air and on the ground, combined with a relentless defensive effort, the Lions kept the Raiders bottled up all afternoon.
Player of the Game Matteo Silvernagle and receiver Nixon Opdendries led the offensive charge, showcasing the skill and chemistry that will make them forces to watch in the 2026 season. On defense, lineman Nate Sarkozi and linebacker Sam Grzech continued their strong play, helping stifle the Raiders’ offense while also contributing key plays on the other side of the ball.
Although the Bantam Lions operate independently from the school system, their Red Deer opponents do not, and with all three Red Deer schools affected by the strike, the remainder of the season is on hold. Everyone is hoping for a swift resolution so both teams can finish their seasons on a high note.
TIGERS
Meanwhile, the younger programs of the U13 Bears and U11 Atom Tigers — are fortunately unaffected by the strike. The Tigers hit the road for a doubleheader in Drumheller, where they faced some challenges but still turned in strong efforts against both the host team and the Innisfail Cyclones in a rematch.
BEARS
The Bears stayed perfect, extending their unbeaten streak and solidifying their top seed heading into playoffs with a 42–8 victory over the previously undefeated Red Deer Servus Bucks.
Despite the loss of second-year lineman Brody Humphrey to an off-field injury, the Bears rallied in his absence. Leading the charge was second-year wide receiver Emerson Kowalchuk, who made several clutch receptions from quarterback Brock Orich, including a dazzling third-down conversion that saw him shake off multiple tacklers to extend a crucial drive. Luke Johnson and Weston Patterson continued their stellar two-way play, helping shut down the Bucks’ potent run game. Meanwhile, the running back duo of Max Gorecky and Logan Silvernagle kept the offense rolling — not only with strong rushing plays but also with excellent downfield blocking.
The Bears close out their regular season at home this Saturday, October 11, at 10:30 a.m. against the Ponoka Broncos, while the Tigers hit the road again for a doubleheader in Stettler, facing the Lacombe Chargers and Red Deer Bucks.
Photo Credits to Sarah Gorecky, @lauren_photography
