The Innisfail Bantam Cyclones' quest for their first league title in eight years of existence came to a disappointing end in front of the hometown fans this weekend.
The Cyclones and their opponents, Red Deer's Hunting Hills Lightning, played through a steady snowfall during Saturday afternoon's Central Football League's Tier 4 Championship game. After tying the game at 8-8 early in the fourth quarter, the Lightning booted the ball through Innisfail's end zone in sudden- death overtime to take the league title by a final score of 10-8.
Despite the setback, Cyclones head coach Jason Lute said the team has a strong foundation to build on for next season.
“Everyone has been giving 110 per cent and we're all so proud of them,” Lute said. “IMFA (Innisfail Minor Football Association) is like a family. It's exciting to watch it grow every year – and to watch these kids grow every game.”
The Cyclones found themselves down 2-0 early in the contest after Hunting Hills scored a safety in the first quarter.
Innisfail would take the lead with less than two minutes to go in the second quarter. Facing third down deep in their own end, Cyclones quarterback Justin Woodruff pitched the ball to Darian Davis, who picked up key blocks and scampered over 80 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown. After Bret Marshall kicked the extra point through the uprights, the Cyclones headed into the second half on a high, up 8-2.
The near blizzard-like conditions made play challenging in the second half. Both teams turned the ball over frequently as the ball popped loose in the wet conditions.
Innisfail opened the fourth quarter facing third and 10 from the Lightning's 50-yard line. After turning the ball over on downs, the Cyclones ran into penalty trouble, allowing the Lightning to start their drive from the Innisfail 19-yard line with 11:47 left in the quarter. On third and three from the Innisfail 10-yard line, Lightning quarterback Eric Thomson called his own number and ran to the right side for the game-tying score. After the Lightning fumbled the ball on the extra point attempt, the score remained 8-8.
The Cyclones threatened late in the quarter, facing second down and seven from the Hunting Hills 10-yard line. After calling a timeout with 1:29 left on the clock to set up a play, the Hunting Hills defence converged on the Cyclones quarterback, who could only watch as the Lightning recovered the ball in the slippery conditions.
With Hunting Hills marching down the field, the Cyclones defence ensured the game would head to overtime with a critical interception with less than a minute left on the clock.
