Back-to-back baby!
The Drumheller Titans proved they were no fluke on Saturday afternoon, doubling the Ardrossan Bisons in the Tier IV Alberta Bowl championship game.
Just a year ago the same two teams met in the same circumstances. In that game, the Titans edged out the Bisons in overtime. This time they led the whole way and came out with a convincing 42-21 win in a battle of two worthy foes.
“Simply put, it was an awesome game,” said coach Ken Fournier.
Coach Fournier said the Bisons were effective in shutting down much of the Drumheller playbook and it took almost a whole quarter before they got on the scoreboard. The Titans went up 21-0, but as the half drew to a close Ardrossan began to pull closer and going in the fourth quarter the score was 28-21.
“Their two third quarter touchdowns came off two bad penalties we took,” said Fournier. “In tight games against good teams, you take bad penalties and your opponents continue drives.”
The Titans held them off by grinding it out on the ground and keeping the ball out of the Ardrossan offense’s hands.
“There were times when it seemed the ball wasn’t moving that much and there wasn’t a lot going on, but there was, the fields position battle was enormous in this game,” said Fournier. “
Two fourth quarter touchdowns including a 100-yard run from Spencer Fournier, put the Titans up by three touchdowns. Josh Weeteringen had three touchdowns and 96 yards, Chase Kostelecky had two touchdowns.
“Spencer now holds the record for longest run in Alberta Bowl history for all tiers,” said Fournier. “Chase actually set a record for most kick return yards in a game for Tier IV,” said Fournier.
Defense was just awesome.
“Alan Lister set the pace right away in the first quarter when he flipped a guy right over top of him,” said Fournier. “When you look at the defense stats it is not one or two players; it is really spread out. Everybody had tackles, everybody had fumble recoveries, bat downs… everybody made a contribution,” said Fournier.
He said beyond the team’s physical game on the field, they learned this season how to have composure and rely on each other during the tough times.
“When we started taking bad penalties and they were starting to get back in to the game, because of the type of season we had and the hurdles we had to go through, it didn’t phase them. They were upset and realized right away the only play that matters is the next play and they continued on,” said Fournier. “These guys were really good at keeping focused and supporting each other when bad penalties were called against them.”
The Titans have the making for a dynasty. While some of their top performers on the line, including Mike Cameron and Tanner Borowicz are graduating, many of the offensive pieces including Weeteringen, Fournier, and Steven Robertson remain. Defensively they are also intact, losing about five of the starting 12. There is also an energy coming up to the senior level next year.
“It is encouraging to see the guys coming up from bantam, they are eager to play and they’re excited. I am getting messages from these guys saying, “we are ready to go, when is spring camp?’”
Before spring camp the Titans will be celebrating the season this Friday night at their annual banquet at DVSS.
