By WAYNE SHIELS
The defence held down the fort until the rest of the team got going in the 28-7 Martensville Royals playoff win over the visiting North Battleford Comp Vikings on Friday, October 18.
North Battleford got on the board first after an interception by Jesse Jamieson set the Vikings up at the Royals 20 yard line and Levi Koenig scored on a run up the middle.
Martensville responded with an interception by Aidan Low that gave them the ball on North Battleford’s 18 yard line. A pass to Cadon Harrison and a Vikings penalty set up first and goal for the Royals. Running back Austin Adamus took the direct snap and powered his way into the end zone. An Aidan Low convert kick tied the game.
The Vikings were looking to regain the lead when Maddox Laclare intercepted the ball, returning it deep inside Martensville’s end.
The Royals defence, however, had other ideas. They completely shut down any Vikings attempt to gain the end zone, forcing a turnover on downs at the 10 yard line.
After an exchange of possessions North Battleford was again knocking at the door with a pass to Martensville’s three yard line. The Royals defence again proved to be an impenetrable object, stopping the Vikings on all three attempts to score.
The offence then stepped into action, moving down the field with a mixture of runs and passes that culminatd in a touchdown pass to Cam Kliewer with 11.3 seconds left in the half to give the home team their first lead of the game.
Most of the third quarter was back and forth action at midfield until Aiden Low returned a punt to North Battleford’s five yard line on the last play of the quarter.
Martensville’s Cooper Ogden caught a ball in the flat and outraced Viking defenders to the end zone, extending Martensville’s lead to 21-7.
Running back Austin Adamus sealed the deal in the last minutes with a determined effort from midfield, powering through multiple tackle attempts before breaking free for a long touchdown run.
Royals head coach Craig Robertson was very pleased with his team’s effort.
“We started off pretty slow,” said Robertson. “My defence, we leaned on them pretty hard and they answered the call. The goal line stands were huge for us. They were disciplined and everyone rose up to the occasion.”
“Our offence finally got going after the first quarter,” he added. “The 108 yard drive to score was a real turning point. Both quarterbacks were in for a good portion of the game. It really helps out.”
With the win the Royals advance to the North Saskatchewan League final to play the powerhouse PA Carlton Crusaders. Coach Robertson is excited for the opportunity.
“I have a lot of grade 12s and they wanted another week of football,’ he said. “Glad we were able to give it to them. The score (against Carlton) the first time we played them did not reflect how the game went. We played them pretty hard and it’s going to be a really good game.”