By WAYNE SHIELS
So close! The 4A 9-Aside Provincial Semi-final football game in Delisle on Saturday, November 2 was filled with many twists and turns that gave the spectators from both teams lots to cheer about.
In the end the visiting Tisdale Tornados came away with a 38-37 win.
The first quarter was a back and forth affair.
Delisle’s Nick Sundquist hauled in a 25 yard touchdown pass to open the scoring.
Tisdale responded with a long touchdown pass of their own. On Tisdale’s next possession, Sundquist intercepted the ball, returning it to mid-field.
A long catch and run by Ethan Kolisnek set Delisle up in Tisdale’s end. On third down, quarterback Sam Kielo hit Sundquist for a 35 yard strike.
Tisdale had a great return by Ruger Leclare on the resulting kickoff, setting up a 20 yard touchdown run by Owen Gest to tie the score.
Tisdale took their first lead of the game when Ethan Mamer hauled in a 29 yard pass. The convert attempt hit the uprights, resulting in a 20-14 score.
Delisle vaulted into the lead with receiver Nick Sundquist lighting up the field, grabbing touchdown passes of 20, 25 and 18 yards. The second one was set up by an interception by Holden Clark.
In a close football game one or two plays can spell the difference.
It looked like Delisle was going to run away with the game when Sundquist hauled in his second interception at mid field. That interception was nullified by a roughing the passer call.
Tisdale took advantage, moving the ball downfield scoring on a short run as time expired in the second quarter to close the gap to 35-27.
The second half was an intense defensive battle.
Twice Tisdale hemmed Delisle deep. Instead of punting the Rebels choose to concede two-point safeties, making the score 35-31 with five minutes left.
Tisdale executed a long drive and Damon Funk scored on a quarterback keeper, giving the visitors a 38-35 lead.
Their defence made the big play when they had to, forcing and recovering a Delisle fumble.
After running the clock down, their quarterback sprinted back to their end zone, conceding a safety as the clock ran out, making the final score 38-37.
Tisdale will travel to Melfort for an all North East championship game. Melfort advanced with a 63-42 win over Lumsden.
In 1A 6-A-Side semi-finals Hafford defeated Lemberg 62-16 and Hanley dominated St. Brieux 48-16. Hafford will be looking to win their fifth championship in a row when they host Hanley in the provincial final on November 9.
For the fourth time since 2018 the 2A championship game will feature Clavet against Wakaw.
Clavet punched their ticket with a 72-36 win over Rosetown, while Wakaw advanced with a 38-22 win over Southey.
Clavet will host Wakaw at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 9.