The Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) Mohawks football team's playoff drive came to an abrupt end in Indian Head on October 27.The Mohawks fell to the Indian Head Broncos in the Saskatchewan High School Association Nine Man Football Quarter Finals match, 44-12." We just could not get rolling on offence at all in the first half. We never generated any field position or scoring opportunities," stated Gavin Paulsen, HCI receivers coach, following the game Saturday.The Mohawks' defence played very well, keeping the Indian Head Broncos away from the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. The Mohawks' defence actually scored the first points on a pick-six play by Justin Lefebvre midway through the second quarter. "I am really proud of Justin. He has worked hard in our program to develop himself into a very skilled defensive back. He made a very good read on the pass, picked it off and took it to the house," stated HCI coach Tom Schwinghamer following the game.The score at halftime was 19-6 for Indian Head. The Mohawks chose the ball in the third half and drove their possession deep into Bronco territory before fumbling near the 20-yard line. "It was that kind of day. Every time we tried harder to gain momentum, we either fumbled, turned the ball over on downs or made a mental mistake," stated Josh Kovach the Mohawks' quarterbacks coach.The Mohawks finished the season with a 3-3 record in Conference One League Play and concluded their playoff drive 1-1. The team will graduate several key players this season; however, the team is stocked well with talented Grade 10 and 11 players who gained valuable experience in starting roles this year. "You can never really prepare your young players enough unless they play and experience the uncomfortable and exciting feeling of being in the playoffs," concluded defensive coordinator Cory Popoff."The program is set up so Grade 12 players will be missed, however the younger players have to step up now in the off-season and lead the team," stated middle linebacker Devin Berger. Grade 11 slot back Colten Slipetz also feels confident he will be a part of the new leadership of the team. "We just know the success of the team and leadership must come from us. We need to be ready next year to take the next step," he said.The talent level and dedication is always evident in the playoffs in tackle football. The teams that win are rewarded by extra football versus putting the gear away. "The playoffs are so important to a program's success, teams that make the post-season get two to four weeks of extra practice time with all their players, including the younger guys," stated HCI offensive line coach Brian Hinz. The game of football must be played like a 12-month game - three months of competing and nine months of preparing. The rigours of tackle football are different than most high school sports because of the risk of injury and levels of strength and conditioning needed to play at a high level. "The kids really need to prepare by working out in our new fitness facility and attending football camps in the off-season to be competitive, " commented Dave Rowe, HCI running back coach.The Mohawks would like to thank all of the many fans and supporters for the awesome season. The team is so lucky to have the great support from the parents and community at large. The players, managers and coaches really enjoy every home game at Glenn Hall Park.
