Cold Lake Royals host Westlock in season finale, full weekend of Cold Lake football

The Cold Lake Royals will put a bow on their 2019 football season against the Westlock T-Birds in the Wheatland Football League’s consolation final.

The T-Birds forfeited their regular-season matchup due to illness and injury, making this the first true meeting of the season.

The Royals are looking for a victory to end their season and remember how last season finished in the exact same spot when the T-Birds rolled to an early 24-0 lead and a 36-24 win.

“It wasn’t a good day for us, that’s for sure. We’re hoping things are better for us tomorrow,” said Royals head coach Kelly Johnson yesterday.

“They’re running what we call a double wing. It’s a different offense than anybody else runs and it is really hard to prepare for defensively. Even to try and run it in practice on our scout team versus our defence, it’s super hard to try and get that timing,” he said.

The weatherman may not be kind either.

The forecast calls for rain all day with wind gusting between 30-50km/h.

However, with the team getting a week off, it allowed some of their players to get healthy, including quarterback Joe Hamel.

“We’re the healthiest we’ve ever been…We had some players out against Wainwright a couple of weeks ago too and it was nice having the week off. So we are a little healthy and kids are anxious for some contact.

“Hamel’s back playing so that’s good. We haven’t had him for a couple of weeks. It’s been nice to be nice get him back in the fold and then he’ll be playing halftime quarterback and some defense.

Seven Grade 12s will suit up the cleats for the final time in Royals colours, including Charlie Pearce, Cole Priestly and Jared Svoboda, key leaders for the young team this year.

“They’re nice, hard-working kids. It’s been easier to coach. Some years we have some talent but some kids are tougher to deal with. These kids are fun. We’re having a good time coaching them. And you know, they’re working hard. And that’s all we can ask,” said Johnson.

Kickoff at Thomas Varughese Field is at 6:00pm.

Ravens host Wainwright

In the bantam football consolation final, the Cold Lake Ravens host the Wainwright Warhawks on Saturday night at 6:00pm.

It’s a rematch of an incredible offensive performance when Cold Lake lost 102-82 in an absolute shootout.

Ravens player Harrison Thir scored seven-plus touchdowns, said Kelly Johnson.

Peewee semi-final Cold Lake vs Bonnyville

The peewee semi-final features a Lakeland battle between the Cold Lake Rams and Bonnyville Renegades on Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm.

The winner will advance to the league final.

These teams split wins in their two matchups during the regular season.