A 67-2 win against Hanna Hawks has clinched first place in league play and a bye in the first round of playoffs for the Rimbey Spartans High School six-man football team.
Despite the winter conditions last Wednesday, Oct. 10, the Spartans playing on their home turf, executed a nearly flawless game, soundly trouncing their opponent for the second time this season.
Head coach Bill Bramford said the Spartans defense made a big difference early in the game stopping Hanna inside the five-yard line three times in the first half of play.
The Spartans began their climb on the scoreboard early, scoring a touchdown on the first play.
Bramford said the offense played extremely well, moving the ball the entire game and putting up points in every quarter.
“Conditions weren’t good and things slow down when there is snow on the field, but they passed the ball effectively. There was no turnovers and no big lapses and no fumbles, even though the ball was slippery.”
The head coach said he was especially proud of his players, who faced the winter conditions head on and simply went ahead and played football.
“They certainly showed gumption and character. We had been preparing for it all week, but it was a real test to the team and they could have complained and focused on the weather instead of playing football, but they didn’t. They just fought through the cold.”
Bramford said he couldn’t single out any one player as a star.
“It was a total team effort. Twenty-six kids dressed and 26 kids got field time. There was contributions from all of them. Everyone looked good, everyone played well. Several guys played phenomenally.”
The Spartans, who are sitting at 5-0 in league play, have a bye this week and will face the Caroline Cougars Oct. 26 in Rimbey.
“It’s a bye week this week which is good,” said Bramford. “In bye weeks the players get some rest and we have had some players with nagging injuries. We haven’t yet fielded our whole team.”
The Spartans first playoff game will be held Nov. 6 in Rimbey. Bramford said he is hoping for good weather.
“Even if it is cold, but there is no snow, it’s not too bad,” he said.