The Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) Mohawks football team are looking forward to the friendly confines of Glenn Hall Park Thursday as they prepare to host the 2-2 Clavet Cougars.The Mohawks dropped a very close, hard-fought battle September 28 in Tisdale, losing 19-15 to drop their overall record to 2-2."The boys played well for about 35 minutes of the game, except we need to play the other 13 minutes to win in a close game," commented HCI defensive line coach Cory Popoff following the road loss. The Mohawks' stingy defense was tough to play against Friday, allowing very few yards on either the run or the pass. "I thought the young guys we had in - Mitchell Mueller, Samuel Fritsch and Tyler Leier - did outstanding versus the older and bigger kids from Tisdale," lamented Popoff.Offensively, the Mohawks scored two touchdowns. Mathew Ortman found pay dirt in quarter one a nifty five-yard plunge behind the strong blocking of Duane Classen. Jonathon Zimroz caught a 45-yard pass from Harris Ford early in the fourth quarter and took it to the end zone. " We look really good at times, move the ball, execute, finish blocks and continue drives, but really struggle in the red zone," commented quarterback Harris Ford the next day during a break at the rookie jamboree, hosted in Humboldt. Overall, the Mohawks have played very competitively in all games except the Melfort game, when the Comets blew out the Mohawks 65-7. "We really need to play a complete game in all areas in order to move forward from here,"commented fullback and tight ends coach Gavin Paulsen.With the playoffs only two games away, the Mohawks seem to be searching for their spirit. The friendly confines of Glenn Hall Park may just offer the solution to the competitive spirit needed. "We love playing at home. The fans are always loud and supportive of good football, " noted Grade 12 defensive back Dylan Meyers.The Mohawks are in a must-win scenario Thursday versus Clavet. With both teams being locked in a 2-2 record, this game will really determine the second league playoff spot. "Hosting in the playoffs is a real advantage because of the home field atmosphere," explained defensive backs coach Tom Schwingahmer.Game time is Thursday at 4pm at Glenn Hall Park.Extra PointThe Mohawks hosted a very successful Junior Football Nine-Man Jamboree September 29 versus junior teams from Clavet and Delisle. The Junior Mohawks tied Clavet 0-0 in game one. The Junior Mohawks then defeated Delisle 28-0 in game two. The Junior Jamboree was for Grade 9/10 players to gain valuable experience in tackle football. The Junior Mohawks play 5th quarter games every league game and will travel to Delisle to face the Junior Rebels in a full junior game on October 9.
