The Yorkton Bantam Raiders football team picked up a big win in their quarter-final playoff game on Saturday, defeating the Regina Lakers 55-8.
The game started off closely, with the teams exchanging touchdowns, but Yorkton Raiders head coach Alan Kyle said they made some adjustments from there that proved to work.
“We ended up playing excellent for the rest of the game,” Kyle said.
The team will play their semi-final game on Wednesday night against Balgonie.
The Bantam Raiders crossed paths with Balgonie earlier in the season, and Balgonie won 25-8.
“We were missing four starters, so hopefully going in there we’ve made some adjustments and hopefully we’ll see some results,” added Kyle. “They’re a good team and we’re looking forward to having a good, competitive game.”
He said the weather is supposed to be cold, wet and windy, so he wants his team to show up ready to play.
“It’s going to be about being able to beat the person across from you, and being ready to compete and play through adversity,” Kyle said.
When it comes to the team’s strengths this season, the coach said he has seen players from all positions thrive.
“Our offensive line has been playing really well all year, led by Josh Kidd our center. And Connor Watrych is our quarterback, who really is a great leader out there,” offered Kyle.
“Our defensive line is also quite strong, led by Fayden Gramyk and Brayden Thompson on the ends, and Brad Heskin is our middle linebacker.”
If Wednesday’s game turns out victorious for the Bantam Raiders, they will move on to the league final which will be played in Regina on Sunday afternoon.
