Winner is in and the loser goes home.
That’s how the Cochrane Cobras and Bow Valley Bobcats football playoff match up is set the shake out at Spray Lake Sawmills Legacy Field on Nov. 4.
With Bow Valley joining the tier three ranks after a boost in the school’s population, the cross-town rivals will do battle once again to see who will represent the town in the Provincial Championships. The game will be looked at as a “David vs. Goliath” match up, as the Cobras finished first in the Rocky View Sports Association (RVSA) league play, with a perfect 6-0 record.
Cochrane High School also finished with a league-leading 291 points, with only 32 points against. The Cobras are also ranked in first place in all of Tier 3.
The Cobras have had nearly three weeks off since their last game on Oct. 14, crushing the Bert Church Chargers 51-7. The team also had a scrimmage with Ernest Manning High School recently. Coach Rob McNab said the break was tough, but he is confident his team will be prepared to play come kick off time.
“Playing in the controlled scrimmage with Ernest Manning a week ago was good for us, it was nice being able to hit someone other than ourselves. We took this weekend off, went and scouted a game to get ready for this playoff run,” McNab said.
“We didn’t get to see a full look at Bow Valley (due to the game ending at half time) but we’ve got film on them and obviously we’re going to prepare for them like everybody else. I’m expecting a nice rival game and I think the weather is going to play a part as well … it’s always nice when you can get two rivals together and the kids all know each other so it should be fun.”
The Bobcats on the other hand are going through a bit of a rebuilding year after taking home the Tier 4 provincial championship last season. The Bobcats finished the year with a 2-4 record and struggled offensively this season, only managing 65 points over the six regular season games.
The two teams have already met once this season on Sept. 26, with the Cobras winning 35-0. The game ended at half time due to Bobcats’ defensive back Jason Tkachuk being taken away on a stretcher. He was released from urgent care later that evening..
Bobcats head coach Cam Cote is aware that his team is the underdog, and they’re just looking to put a scare into the opposition.
“We’re just going to go out and have fun. We’re going up against the defending provincial champions, they’re ranked No. 1 in the province and I’ve been telling the kids that all the pressure is on them,” Cote said.
“We as coaches have to make sure we get a good week of practise in. We’re dealing with some injuries to key players so we’ll have to move some guys around … but the goal is to just put our best foot forward.”
Kick off for the game will be at noon. The winner will play once again on Nov. 11 in the Provincial South semi finals against a team yet to be determined.
