In the second league game of the season, the Lacombe Rams were once again across the field from one of their principle rivals in the Lindsay Thurber Raiders.
The Rams were coming into this matchup after dropping a game to the number two ranked Hunting Hills Lightning, after the Rams played three out of four quarters of good football but were unable to overcome a 1st quarter lead established by their Red Deer opponent.
The first half would once again leave the Rams with a deficit to overcome, with the Raiders riding a touchdown and safety to establish a 9-0 lead.
It appeared that the Rams would run a successful two-minute drill en route a score, but untimely penalties would lead to the drive being negated, keeping the score the same headed into the second half.
The Rams would continue to struggle moving the ball in the third quarter and were unable to capitalize on third down situations.
The Raiders would get into field goal range on their last possession but luckily for the Rams would choose to gamble on third down. The Rams make the interception to keep the score only at 9-0 heading into the deciding quarter.
The Rams would finally break through midway through the fourth quarter after a pass interference call put Lacombe on the two-yard line. Quarterback Mitch Simmons would call his own number on the ensuing play leading to the Rams cutting the Raider lead to 9-7 with 5:43 to play.
It appeared that Raiders finished a long pass on the next possession, but a holding penalty brought the ball back to the 45-yard line. The Rams would then block the Raider punt, leading to a final chance for Lacombe.
The Rams would make an effort, but penalties would put the Rams too far back leading to a turnover on downs and a 9-7 Raider win.
“I think I jumped the gun a bit. I probably should have went for the first down on third and one or kicked the field goal but, the heck, it’s high school football,” Ross said.
Lacombe now heads out on the road to take on Lloydminister before returning home to take on Notre Dame the following week.
“We are facing a Lloydminster team that up until a couple weeks ago was the number one team in the country. Some injuries struck them, but they will probably be healthy as horses by the time we get out there,” Ross said.
Ross overall was happy with his teams defensive effort.
“It would be nice to see the offence do a bit more, but I as pretty happy with it,” Ross said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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