It has been noted in this space over the years that a community often has its pride bolstered by its sports teams doing well.
There is a sense of community spirit and excitement when a team such as Yorkton’s Junior ‘A’ Terriers make an extended playoff run. And, when they go all the way and win the Royal Bank Cup, emblematic of being Canada’s best at that level, as the Terriers did in 2014, you create something which is a memorable moment for many. It is something which will long be part of the lore of our community.
Whether you are a fan or not, even the creation of facilities such as the Yellowhead Raceway for stock car racing is something of importance in a community such as Yorkton.
It was the same with the idea which led to drag racing at the Yorkton Municipal Airport each summer. It is an event attracting many to the city each year, and that becomes part of the entertainment mosaic of the city.
Now our community is in the midst of what could become one of the most memorable high school sport seasons in our city’s long history.
The Yorkton Regional High School’s senior football team is pursuing a Cinderella season and are certainly drawing closer by the week to having the glass slipper fit snuggly over their football cleats.
So far all the Raiders have done is go undefeated through six regular season games, and then Saturday rolled in their first playoff game, defeating Vanier by a score of 59-0 on the Raiders home field.
The lopsided score in the playoff game was not out of character for the Raiders who have been hitting on all 12 cylinders on both sides of the ball.
In their seven games this season the Raider offence has rolled up 381 points, a crisp, that’s just shy of 55-points per game. At any level of football that sort of offensive production will win most games.
But, as impressive as the Raider offence has been, the team defence has been just plan stingy on the grandest scale. Through the seven games they have allowed a miniscule 25 points, that is under a converted touchdown per game.
The trail for the Raiders continues on their home field Saturday when they host Swift Current in their league final. The game is significant as it will be the first time a league championship hasn’t been held in Moose Jaw, Regina or Saskatoon according to Raider head coach Roby Sharpe.
The league championship is just another step along the way, as a win Saturday will push the Raiders into the southern final, and then onto the provincial championship if the Raider offence and defence continue to roll.
Local sports fans will want to be at the school football field at 2 p.m., to cheer on the team as it takes another step toward creating a most memorable community moment.
