The Cochrane Cobras will have a chance to win their fourth straight Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) provincial title on Nov. 25 after they defeated the second-ranked Cardston Cougars 21-7 in a cold and windy game at Spray Lake Sawmills Legacy Field on Nov. 18.
Both offences had trouble moving the football, and the defences’ came to play in the game, in which Cochrane High forced the Cougars quarterback to throw five interceptions. Co-head coach Rob McNab said the success of the Cobra defence had played a huge part in the victory.
“We knew they (Cardston) had a good defence and I don’t think anyone had put up that many points on them this year. On the other side, our defence was a little nervous at the beginning … usually the game is dictated by our offence, but our defence came to play,” McNab said.
“(We) played outstanding. I can’t say enough about how well prepared they, and with five interceptions, that says it all right there. We forced their quarterback to throw the ball into places we were prepared for him to throw.”
Katelynn Thompson kicked two field goals, while Jackson McLean and Dawson Laye both scored crucial touchdowns for the Cobras while having to deal with the wind blowing in their face.
“Because of the way we throw the ball on offence, the wind really disrupted us. There were guys open and Brett (Conlon) would throw the ball and the wind would just carry it elsewhere,” McNab said.
“It’s frustrating because his confidence drops and our offence drops and we have to change our game plan. Cold is OK, but wind is the one thing that really messes things up.”
Cochrane High will now face the third-ranked Holy Rosary Raiders in the provincial final at MEGlobal Athletic Park in Lacombe … this will be the third straight year the Cobras will face the Raiders in the final, winning the last two 55-0 and 29-20. McNab says he expects a tough test from the Lloydminster based school.
“They will be well coached, they got good athletes and are a big team who likes to run the ball. We just got to go out and prepare like we’re playing the Dallas Cowboys,” McNab said.
“Teams change from year to year with the graduation of players, but they seem to be pretty consistent from where they were last year. It’s going to be an interesting game and they’re going to be really good, so we’re expecting to coach right until the end.”
The game will go on Nov. 24, with kickoff being at 7 p.m.
