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PROVINCIAL FINAL to get to the final . Warman played host to the Royals on November 12 as fans from both respective teams filled the stands in this anticipated rivalry . Even Roary , the team ’ s mascot , made the trip to Warman to help the many fans cheer on their Royals . Warman entered the game as defending provincial champions but this did not seem to affect the Royals who were fired up for this game .
The Royals were first to strike as the offense marched down the field on their first drive setting up a Logan Heck field goal . The momentum continued into their following drive as the offense set up a second field goal putting the Royals ahead 6-0 in the first . The Royals defense held down the Wolverine offense in the first until Wolverine QB Tristen Denis connected with Joe Than for the touchdown in the last play of the quarter making it 7-6 .
Bryan Bauer had an interception early in the second to give the ball back to the Royals . Royals ’ receiver Logan Heck made an outstanding catch on the 1 yard line , which set up a sneak by Ethan Moran for the major and gave Martensville the 14-7 lead . The Royals kept the Wolverines out of the end zone on the next drive , but were forced to give up a safety after an errant snap . Warman ’ s Lachlan Horsley returned the following kick over 85 yards for a Wolverine touchdown . With only seconds left in the half , Martensville failed to get the ball out of their zone and Warman capitalized with another touchdown making it 23-14 at the half .
The third quarter was not good for the Royals defense as Brody Ziegler went down with a leg injury . This was a big gap to fill and the defense took awhile to adjust giving up another TD making it 29-14 . The Royals offense would not roll over as Connor McKay answered back minutes later with a touchdown reception to make it 29-21 . At times , the Royals had six players playing on both sides of the ball . This lack of depth for the Royals began to catch up with them as Warman would add four more TD ’ s by the beginning of the fourth . With the score 57- 21 , the Royals refused to go quietly . Connor McKay was on a mission and showed a lot of fortitude . He and Moran connected twice more for two quick majors to lessen the gap 57- 34 . One of those plays was set up by another interception by the Royal ’ s defender , Dylan Gutek . Shortly after , McKay chased down Levi Klassen on the one yard line to deny him the score . Warman would add two more TD ’ s but again the Royals showed their determination . The offense once again moved the ball down the field with
Janine Hayward Martensville Messenger
BELOW : The coaching staff of the Martensville Royals Football Team . L-R : Jack Kobussen , Aaron Osczevski , Reid Lambden , Lyle Evanisky , Vince Riley , Shayne Hayward and Shane Garner .
martensville messenger - NOVEMBER 17 , 2016 - Page 7
SPORTS
huge yardage from Lussier with seconds left deep into Wolverine territory . Warman took an illegal contact penalty and Moran capitalized on this with a quarterback sneak into the end zone with no time left on the clock . The Royals showed so much heart and determination until the very last play . They had to settle for silver on a hard-fought season .
Warman was once again provincial champions and brought home the gold medals . Congratulations to the Warman Wolverines who are 3A Provincial Champions . It was a very entertaining football game for the fans , as both sides showed why they earned a spot in the final . There was huge offense generated by both as the 70-41 score reflected . Warman and Martensville played a very good game and it was a team effort on both their parts .
Martensville had 12 seniors who were such excellent role models both on and off the field for the Royals . Connor McKay was only one of 6 players who played both sides of the ball . When asked about the game and season he replied , “ I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to play beside a great group of guys this whole season . We all fought hard to get here .” Logan Heck also commented , “ I ’ m so proud of these guys and this is the best Martensville has done ”. Ethan Moran commented on the rivalry after playing with many of these players through the Maddog program . “ This adds insult to injury but I guess they had a little more fire than us through the whole game and got the win .”
The coaches were very proud of their team and their effort throughout the whole season . The players rallied together to take the Royals farther than any of their LEFT : The Royals fought a hard battle in the provincial final game against the Wolverines .
Martensville Royals Senior Graduating Players .
predecessors . Defensive coach Shayne Hayward commented on the team as a whole . “ The team made great strides and it wasn ’ t the way we wanted to go out but they came together and played sound offense and defense throughout the year . No one can question the heart and hustle the guys showed .”
Head coach Lyle Evanisky was proud of his team ’ s effort . “ The boys worked their hardest and I was really proud of how they battled right until the last play of the game .” He was glad that his seniors had an opportunity to compete in the finals this year . ” They worked so hard all year and deserved the success that came with it .” Evanisky had a great coaching staff to back him up this season . “ I thought our coaches did a great job this season in working with the players and helping to develop them into provincial finalists .”
The MHS Royals team showed that with hard work they made things happen . They made their coaches , parents , team and school proud . The whole community was behind them . Great season Royals ! The football awards banquet is slated for December 1 .
RIGHT : Ethan Moran (# 5 ) runs the ball in the Provincial playoff game against the Warman Wolverines .