Sports | DrumhellerMail

Sabres heading to soccer zones

    The Sabres Senior girls Soccer team is heading to zones this weekend and are sure to face some tough competition.
   The Sabres, led by a strong senior element are hoping for a strong showing. While they have not had any games since their home tournament where they were not able to score, they have been working hard to improve their game.
   “We are working on it one day at a time,” said coach Gavin Makse. “I tell the girls ‘you are a better team today than you were yesterday.’ That is our motto, to grow everyday as a team and an individual.”
   Coach Makse says the team has been playing against adult soccer players to get some game experience.
   “Playing against older, more skilled players is helping us,” he said, adding that the faster level of play is helping the Sabres adapt.
   The tournament is in Cochrane and has a round robin format. The Sabres are in a pool with Canmore, George McDougald of Airdrie and Foothills Composite High School from Okotoks.
   The team’s first game is against Foothills Composite at 10:30 a.m.
   “I think what is key for us is if we get that first goal in the first game it can give us confidence and really build on that momentum,” said Makse.
They then play Canmore at 1:45 p.m. and George McDougald at 5 p.m. on Friday.
   On Saturday, the pools cross over and how they finish will determine when they are back on the field.
   “It comes down to which team wants it the most at zones, and we are relying on those Grade 12's to lead us with their experience,” said Makse.

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.

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