The Junior Raiders football team from Lloydminster is peaking at the right time.
The Junior Raiders won the Capital District league final last Saturday, scoring a 52-0 victory over the West Edmonton Raiders to capture the U16 12-side Tier 2 championship.
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“It was a collective effort by our team,” said the Junior Raiders’ head coach, Keegan Kozak.
“It was a great all-around team effort. We came out with tons of fire and energy and our defence set the tone early, getting lots of pressure up front and not letting their offence get comfortable or sustain drives.
“That carried through the game and gave our offence plenty of chances to work with good field position. The offence made the most of it, coming up with some big plays and finishing drives when it mattered.”
This weekend, the Junior Raiders are playing for the Football Alberta bantam 12-side Tier 3 provincial championship against the Calgary Mavericks. The teams meet Saturday (Nov. 8) at 12:30 p.m. at Clarke Field in Edmonton.
“This week’s matchup will be a tough test, as we know our opponents will be well-prepared and firing on all cylinders,” Kozak said. “Our focus remains on preparing our players and putting them in the best position to be successful.”
That approach has been effective all season for the Junior Raiders.
“This season has really been about the kids and the work they’ve put in,” Kozak said. “From the start, they’ve shown a level of commitment, effort and buy-in that’s made a huge difference for our team.
“Our culture and motto, Tough, Detailed, together have guided everything we do and really shaped who we are as a groupThe players have embraced that mindset, showing up every day ready to learn, compete and support each other.
“Individually, the amount of development we’ve seen from our players has been outstanding, and as a group we’ve continued to get better every single week. The players have worked hard to raise the standard both on and off the field. The chemistry and trust they’ve built as a team has been a huge part of our success and it shows every time they step on the field.”
The Junior Raiders are a community-based team, with players from Lloydminster and area. The majority of the players attend Holy Rosary High School, but the roster includes other players from other schools in Lloydminster and district.
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