Despite a valiant second half charge that saw them leading 7-6 midway through the fourth quarter, the Innisfail Pee Wee Cyclones' season came to an end following a 15-7 loss to the Red Deer Hornets at Great Chief Park on Saturday.
The first quarter of the Central Pee Wee Football League first round playoff game was a tight defensive battle, with neither team able to generate much offence.
With the Cyclones pinned deep in their end to start the second quarter, Red Deer recovered a short punt to set up a first and goal from the Innisfail 10-yard line. Two plays later, the Hornets took a 6-0 lead following a short run up the middle. The point after attempt was no good.
The Cyclones defence stood tall to open the second half, forcing the Hornets to turn the ball over on downs to open the third quarter. After taking a 10-yard loss on their first offensive series of the quarter, the Cyclones found themselves facing second down and 20 yards to go from the midfield stripe. Quarterback Caleb Watkinson then pitched the ball to Nathan Fuerbringer, who pinballed his way 55 yards through the Hornets defence to tie the score at 6-6. Alex Puttee then gave the Cyclones a one-point lead, running the ball into the end zone following a botched kick attempt.
The score remained that way until the 8:12 mark of the fourth quarter. After starting a drive on their own 43-yard line, the Hornets drove the ball deep into Innisfail territory. Facing second and goal at the Innisfail two-yard line, the Hornets punched the ball through the middle of the Innisfail defensive line to take a 12-7 lead. Following a successful point after kick attempt, the Hornets increased their lead to 14-7.
With just over one minute left in the game, the lead increased to 15-7 after the Hornets were awarded a single point following an illegal use of the hands penalty against Innisfail.
Pee Wee Cyclones head coach Robb Walker said the team put in a determined effort.
“I'm uber proud of all the boys and the hard work they put in this season,” Walker said. “They played hard until the end and never gave up.”
In other news, the Innisfail Bantam Cyclones are moving on in the Central Football League playoffs after downing the Rocky Mountain House Rebels 34-12 at home on Saturday afternoon. Check out www.innisfailminorfootball.com for more information on the Bantam Cyclones' upcoming games.
The Cyclones will recognize the hard work of their players, coaches and volunteers during the Year End Awards Banquet on Nov. 14.
