The Lloyd Comp Senior Barons and Prince Albert St. Mary’s Marauders’ defence were the story of the night.
With three minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Barons were up 4-3. Unfortunately a win wasn’t meant to be as St. Mary’s drove the field for a final field goal.
“It was a tough loss and the two teams were evenly matched. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to punch the ball in when we were in the red zone. Some costly penalties late in the game cost us field position and gave them the opportunity to kick the game-winning field goal,” stated Barons’ head coach Kieran Link.
“Overall, the defence was fairly stingy as they only allowed six points. Offensively the receivers made some nice catches and our quarterback threw some nice balls. Hindsight being 20/20, perhaps I should have taken the points when we were deep in their end, but I was okay going out swinging.”
Link explained they need a better offence to defence balance going forward into the coming season. They need better offensive crispness, as he believed it wasn’t up to standard this year.
If he had his ideal team, he would build it from the lines on both sides of the ball outwards.
“I feel that if you can get speed at running back, a powerful offensive line, and a solid quarterback, you will have more success running any scheme,” said Link.
Finding that crispness and continuity may be a little more difficult with 21 seniors leaving this year. The new Jr. program could help fill some of the gaps.
“We will be looking to the junior program to help stock the shelves. If the junior program can consistently bring eight starters to the senior team, we will have a nice pipeline,” said Link.
“We have to recruit more athletes who are big and tough. There also needs to be a more systematic offseason strength and conditioning program to maximize the talents of our athletes.”
Link had these words to say to his parting seniors and the community they would enter upon graduation.
“I’m proud of the contributions our grade 12s made towards the program. We didn’t always have scary athletes but there was a cohort who played hard week in and week out. I hope they take away the values of hard work, teamwork, and mental toughness,” encourages Link.
“Ultimately, these young players will not be professional football players but fathers, employees, employers, and husbands. I hope their experience with the Barons program helped in some small way to be better in their future roles.”
Armstrong field hasn’t seen its last pigskin rumble as the Jr. Baron’s hope to secure a playoff date with a win over the Knoll Panthers, on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.
Read More: Gallery: Sr. Barons conquered by Crusaders
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