Sports | DrumhellerMail

Bantam Titans wrap up league play Saturday

    The Bantam Titans have been dealt a couple losses, but are still on track to having their best season ever.
   On Saturday, October 1 they took on a strong Sylvan Lake team, but bowed 44-28. While the Titans were able to put up four touchdowns, coach Paul Redmond said the difference was defence.
   “We had not faced as strong as a defence as they had,” said Redmond. “I think we did better than most teams because we are a strong offensive team.”
   Last Saturday, they took on Springbank, but bowed 30-14. Coach Paul Redmond said the Titans were within striking distance throughout the game. He feels that Springbank had a stronger team than Sylvan Lake.
   “We played a lot better defence, but our offense kind up blew up,” said Redmond.
   The Titans had a chance to go up with the ball at Springbank’s one-yard line, but turned the ball over.
   “There were few mental errors on Saturday, and that cost us the game,” said Redmond. “I think we could have beat that team on Saturday, but there were just a few mental errors. I hope we can rectify, and play a little better against Olds.”
   These were the first losses of the season for the Titans; however, they still have a winning record, sitting at 3-2. They will be completing their league season this Saturday against Olds.
   For the first time the Bantam Titans will be playing for a spot at either Tier 2 or Tier 3 in the provincials, and are guaranteed at least two games in the post season.
   The team will begin league playoffs, and if they win their first game, they will be playing for the championship, and a shot at the Tier 2 grouping in provincials. If they lose, they can still win the league consolation, and can still earn a Tier 3 berth.
   “As long as we keep winning,” we are in good shape,” said Redmond.
   “You are facing pretty tough teams once you get to provincials. I think we can do pretty well. I’ve played teams from Lloydminster and Edmonton, and there is nothing new. I know what to expect when we get there,” said Redmond.

DVSS JV boys in action on volleyball court

    Volleyball season is in full swing at Drumheller Valley Secondary School as the boys junior varsity squad bump, set and spike their way through a full schedule.
   While the team plays at the junior varsity level, it includes players from Grade 8 to Grade 12, as there is no senior team. Because of this, they are often facing tougher teams and when it comes to zones the Grade 8 and Grade 12 players will not be able to play.
   Despite this, the young team has been practicing and playing hard and have found some success.
   Coach Audrey DeBona said they have won some games in the league, which is largely comprised of senior teams. They played in a tournament in Duchess and made it to the consolation final, but lost to Youngstown.
   “They did really well there and won a few matches,” said DeBona.
   On Wednesday, the team faced the Acme Redmen senior varsity team, and then on Thursday played an exhibition game against Morrin.
   The future looks bright for the developing team. With only one Grade 12 player, they have a solid returning squad next year. DeBona said they are improving and coachable.
   The team held a unique fundraiser which also allowed them to be proactive. Last week, each player completed 100 serves and were sponsored for their efforts.

Titans continue to dominate league

    The Senior Titans are looking like the most dominant team in the league after out willing Olds to a 35-18 win on the road.
   The teams clashed on Saturday. This was one of the most important games on the schedule for both teams as they fought for league supremacy.
   The Titans were first on the scoreboard, but it didn’t take long for Olds to respond. It was a close game with a score of 21-18 at the half. The defence held strong and a 70-yard return of an interception by Kyle Smith helped to build momentum, as the Titans held off Olds.
   “The difference is we held on to the ball,” said coach Ken Fournier.
   The team was able to bust through and successfully used their short pass game with their ground game to take the win.
   He said Smith was one of the standouts all over the field. With the interception, he also had two sacks and was strong on special teams. Brandon Rowbottom was also a standout on defence.
   On offence, the duo of Braden Scriven and Spencer Fournier continued their onslaught of slashing up defences.
   While the game was important, a few changes may see Olds–Drumheller rivalry cooling for the season. According to Fournier, Olds will see two of its victories dropped from their record due to an ineligible player on the squad.
   The Titans also learned that Olds has moved up to Tier 3, meaning they will not be playing at the same level as the Titans as provincials approach.
   The victory moved the Titans up to fourth spot in the provincial rankings, trailing Holy Rosary from Lloydminster, Ardrossan and Pincher Creek.
   On Wednesday night, the Titans will be under the bright lights as they head to Calgary to play Canmore in an exhibition game at McMahon Stadium. On October 15, the Titans will face Canmore in league play.

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