The Holy Rosary Raiders overcame a slow first half to defeat the visiting St. Paul Lions 35-0 on Nov. 1 in Lloydminster.
The game's opening kickoff was returned over 50 yards by Nick Hill for an early 6-0 lead. The night seemed to be headed the way of a Raiders win.
The team got in their way for much of the first half. Head Coach Vincent Orieux chalked it up to a few weeks off between games.
"At the end of the day the kids showed up in the second half," said Orieux. "I wasn't really happy with our offensive execution at the start, and St. Paul schemed well on defence."
Turnovers plagued the team, and the game was still in question by halftime.
"Mistakes happen; it doesn't matter the level, but we have to clean it up to be successful at provincials," said Orieux.
The team is preparing to play in Red Deer against the Sylvan Lake H.J. Cody High School Lakers this weekend.
"We showed them some tape Nov. 3. They are well coached," stated Orieux. "Jeremy Braitenback has been there for over 25 years and was drafted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL; he knows football and will have his kids ready to compete."
Lakers head coach, Braitenback told the Meridian Source his team went 4-2 this season and sees themselves as the underdogs heading into the weekend.
"We see Holy Rosary as the best team we will play this year. While that is exciting, it is also intimidating at the same time. They are consistently one of the best programs in the province and it will be a huge challenge," he said.
"Because of this, we see ourselves as the underdogs. We hope we can give Rosary a challenge this weekend and look forward to the game."
Back at home, Orieux wanted to mention the fans who have come out all season to support the team.
"We get the students and parents out there and love the atmosphere they create. We really appreciate the support of our school community and the broader community throughout the season."
They look forward to the weekend ahead with the 35-0 victory and WFL championship behind them.
The #1 ranked Holy Rosary Raiders at #5 Sylvan Lake Lakers 2:00 p.m. at Great Chief Park in Red Deer on Saturday.
Read More: Gallery: Raiders steamroll Spartans 64-0 - Meridian Source
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