The Innisfail Cyclones are making a return to the Mountain View 9 man Football Conference (MVFC) for the third consecutive year.
In their seventh victory this season, the first-place Innisfail Cyclones beat the fourth placed Bowden Blazers 72 to 7 in the MVFC playoffs in Innisfail on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 29. The start time for the title game had not yet been decided at press time.
"We got a lot of good plays. One play would go for a long distance because everybody did their job. That was good to see," said Trevor Wooff, Cyclones' head coach.
Wooff noted some of the key factors in Saturday's blowout win.
"They had a low number of bodies. We definitely have some bigger bodies than they do and that's a big difference. Plus the playing experience we have. That showed today," he said, adding despite the lopsided win, it wasn't an easy task Saturday.
"The challenge today was making no mistakes, it was a mental game. We expected the result (somewhat) but we didn't want to treat them as a stepping stone and then play sloppy," explained Wooff. "The challenge was to play disciplined ball and getting ready for the next round."
Bowden Blazers head coach Chris Grudeski said he was pleased with his team's effort in Saturday's semifinal and with their first season in the MVFC 9 man league.
"We were happy to be in playoffs, that was our goal, " said Grudeski, pointing out his team's perseverance throughout the season, and their hopes of returning next fall.
"The kids didn't quit. It was good to see the boys not give up," he added. "We are happy with our year. I know our kids will be hungry (for next season).”
The Innisfail Cyclones will now face the Strathmore Badgers of the Community Football Association in the championship game on Nov. 5. It's a game they have been anticipating and one they have fixed themselves all season long to win to defend their championship title, said Wooff.
"The goal for the team has been to get to the final again and try to remain undefeated," said Wooff. "We maintained that even though we had a tie and a couple of forfeits.
"We have a bunch of Grade 12s (players) that are hugely pumped (to be in the final)," he said, noting the challenge ahead.
“It's easy sometimes when you're playing a weaker opponent to relax or chill, and then you start getting injuries or you get guys who think they can play that way against a good team," Wooff added. "That's my fear. Since we've played Strathmore we haven't really had a challenge. The boys are good and need that challenge, that mindset.
"It's going to be a tough game. Either of those two teams (Strathmore or Didsbury) always give us a run for our money," said Wooff. "I'm looking forward to a tough, good physical game."
Trevor Wooff, head coach
"The goal for the team has been to get to the final again and try to remain undefeated."
