BY FRED KNIP
Two-time provincial champions, the Lacombe Peewee Explosion, have advanced to the Alberta Provincial finals for the third year in a row.
The Explosion faced the Edmonton Mustangs this past weekend, dominating the game to defeat the Mustangs 30-6 on Nov. 9.
“Our boys came to play,” said head coach Fred Knip. “Several times in the last eight minutes they held the Mustangs inside their own 40 yard line. They did not give up and they did not give in. Our defense were studs today.”
Richard Jens opened the scoring in the first quarter with a bootleg run for 30 yards and a 6-0 score.
With three seconds left in the first half, Jens took his second bootleg run into the end zone on a 34 yard run. Simon Gray converted the two points after as the Explosion took a 14-0 half time lead into the dressing room.
Halfway through the third quarter, Jens connected with Gray for a touchdown pass. Gray then converted the touchdown with two points, and the Explosion lead 22-0.
On the very next series of plays, the Edmonton Mustangs answered back with a 72 yards rush by nimble River Cameron.
Cameron’s touchdown could not be converted and the Explosions led 22-6 going into the fourth quarter.
After several back and forth possession trades, Jens ran an outside pitch for 38 yards for a major score. Gray converted the touchdown and the Explosions led the Mustangs 30-6.
Jens led all rushers in the game with a total of 219 yards on 16 possessions. Cameron and Brian MacAndrew led the Mustangs’ rushing with 102 yards and 57 yards respectively.
The Explosion’s third trip to the Provincial peewee finals will be against the Cochrane Lions Nov. 16 at Shouldice Park in Calgary.