The Titans were caught flat footed against a stronger than expected Olds team at home.
On Saturday, October 3 the Drumheller Titans hosted Olds at DCHS field. Olds was not ranked going into the game, but proved they could play with top teams in the league.
“They executed at a high level,” said coach Jason Rasmussen. “Defensively we were shocked. They came out a tenacity and a desire to walk away from Saturday’s game with a win. Their offense came out and dominated our defense." Rasmussen says offensively the Titans were strong in the first half of the game. A couple mistakes allowed Olds into the game, and they took advantage.
The Titans found that toward the end Olds was able to prey on their defense. Less than stellar efforts tackling allowed Olds to bowl past the Titans’ line.
Despite this, the Titans were up 23-21 heading into the dying minutes of the game. Olds showed resolve and took the lead with a touchdown.
“Once Olds capitalized on a few mistakes that put them into the lead, they demonstrated a desire that Drumheller players were lacking. The Olds players played with more passion and determination once they had the lead, than the Drumheller players. They carried that momentum through the end of the game. They dominated our offense in the fourth quarter because they could taste it.”
Rather than take a lead protecting stance, Olds blew up the middle and blitzed the Drumheller quarterback in the fourth quarter. This led to one more touchdown and a 35-23 victory.”
“It was a hot knife through butter,” said Rasmussen.
Rasmussen said the team has to be stronger and commit to tacking.
“Our players have to recognize that if they are up against a larger stronger opponent, you cannot tackle that individual by grabbing them around the shoulders. You have to get into a low aggressive hitting position and tackle them on their thighs and wrap up their legs,” said Rasmussen, adding this will be addressed in practice.
He said Olds could mix some things up come down the stretch.
“Because they weren’t ranked provincially, and you look at some of their results you could underestimate them. They are a strong football team and a good opponent, and suddenly the dynamics of the league change with an improved Olds club,” he said
The pressure doesn’t end for the Titans this week they will be taking on Rundle College who are number one in the province and undefeated thus far in the season. They are coming off lop-sided wins against Strathmore and Bishop Grandin in Calgary.
“It doesn’t get any easier, this weekend is going to be a very hard game,” said Rasmussen.