As the calendar turns toward prime time for fall football, the Holy Rosary Raiders remain on a roll in Alberta high school action.
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The Lloydminster-based school ran its record to 4-0 last Saturday (Sept. 20) at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton, posting a 21-0 victory over the St. Joseph’s Celtics of Grande Prairie.
“The game on Saturday was a very good high school football game,” said Raiders coach Vince Orieux. “It was fast and physical and well-played by both teams.
“Our offensive line played well as a group. It’s hard to single anyone out from that group, but they were dominant.”
Orieux credited running back Kostas Mavridis for playing a solid game.
“We were able to sustain some long drives, with the (offensive) line and Kostas working well together.”
KEY INTERCEPTION
On the defensive side, Holy Rosary’s Denem Weber had an interception for a game-breaking touchdown.
“That really set the tone for the game,” said Orieux, who praised his Raiders for their commitment week after week.
“The kids are focused every week on their next opponent. They know the important games are coming when we get into league play. The goal is to get better each week.”
The win over St. Joseph’s (3-2) marked Holy Rosary’s second shutout victory in as many weeks, including a 43-0 decision against the Foothills Composite Falcons of Okotoks.
“Our quarterback, JR Howdle, had a very good game last week,” Orieux said after that contest. “He was able to spread the ball around and keep the opposing defence off balance.
“The offensive line is instrumental in the team’s success, and they played well as a group (against Foothills Composite). Running backs and receivers made plays when called upon. Overall, it was a good team effort.
“The team is off to a good start. There is lots of room for improvement in all three phases of the game, but we are happy with the progress the team is making.”
Weber, one of the Raiders’ seniors, also likes what he has seen in the early stages of the season.
“The team has some good chemistry going and I think we’re going to have a great season,” he said.
OLDS UP NEXT
Ranked atop the 3A category in Alberta high school football, the Raiders are right back in action this week when they face the Olds Spartans at 4 p.m. Thursday at Great Chief Park in Red Deer.
Fifth-ranked Olds sports a 2-2 record after blanking the Highwood Mustangs of High River 45-0 last week.
Football Alberta has billed the matchup between Olds and Holy Rosary as the 3A high school game of the week.
“The Olds Spartans have been down this road before,” reads the latest weekly report from the provincial association. “Always a solid 3A team, they have scheduled an aggressive non-conference schedule this year against ranked 3A opponents.Their first two non-conference forays were excellent football games but saw the Spartans come up short to both Sylvan Lake and Willow Creek.
“Olds is hoping third time is the charm this week but has an even tougher challenge in the No. 1-ranked Holy Rosary Raiders from Lloydminster.”
All four Holy Rosary wins have come on the road. Its home field continues to undergo major reconstruction to make way for artificial turf.
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