The Estevan Elecs most successful season to date came to a close with a 34-0 loss to the No. 1 seeded Vanier Vikings in the Moose Jaw High School Football League semifinals on Saturday.
The game was Estevan's third in eight days, and head coach Marco Ricci said fatigue ended up being a bigger factor than he had anticipated.
"I didn't think it was going to be an issue," he said. "We had more guys injured than we normally would during a game, and I think that's just what happens when you play so many games so quick."
The Elecs had faced Vanier once before in the regular season, losing a close game 15-10. Ricci said they had a solid game plan for their meeting in the playoffs, and for the most part the first half didn't go too badly.
"They got a lucky bounce on a turnover that they took for a touchdown. The score was 13-0 at the half and we were moving the ball quite well against them," Ricci said. "In the second half, there was more of a fatigue factor, and it just didn't go our way."
Michael Bittman led the way on offence for Estevan, rushing for 92 yards on 20 carries, and according to Ricci, he probably could have got a lot more if they weren't going to the air so much in the second half, while trying to get back in the game.
Just a few days before the loss to Vanier in the semifinal, the Elecs got their first-ever win in a quarter-final match-up in Swift Current. Estevan was the underdog heading into the playoffs and pulled off the upset with an 11-6 victory over the Colts.
"The boys came out with a great effort in that game, and it was just outstanding," said Ricci. "We were very aggressive, and the intensity was massive. We were dealt some adversity when they called two of our touchdowns back, but we kept our focus and it led to a win."
After Estevan went through the regular season without a win for the second year in row, Ricci said they felt they needed to get a victory both for the community that has been so supportive, and to validate that the program is moving the right direction.
Though they had a winless season, the Elecs were very competitive all year, and were just a play or two away from winning on several occasions.
"We lost our first three games 15-10, 8-6 and 15-10, and every one of those games we had the lead at some point, so it was very frustrating that we couldn't secure a win during the regular season," Ricci said. "But when you get one in the playoffs and you get to play again, and send a team home, that's quite an accomplishment."
With the pressure of getting their first win behind them, coupled with the returning veterans and talented players graduating from Estevan Minor Football, the Elecs should have a great season ahead of them next year.
While he is eager about the prospects of next season, Ricci said it's a little too early to comment on how the coaching staff will shape up.
"We're very excited for next year," he said. "We have a great team coming back, and because the minor football system is so strong, we'll get some really good quality players coming up. Overall we'll be very strong, I just can't make a comment yet on what I'll do with coaching."
