The Yorkton Gridders wrapped up a very successful season with the first Regina Football League playoff game at home Saturday afternoon since 1993, according to head coach Jason Farrell. Suffering the growing pains of any new team in its first season to running up a 6-2 record in its second year was nothing short of spectacular, Farrell comments.
Both players and coaches came into the current season with more experience which explains the improved season, Farrell says.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Gridders squared off against the Regina Golden Hawks at Kinsmen Century Field. The Gridders battled hard to win the contest coming up just short as the Golden Hawks claimed a 28-20 victory.
Farrell says he believes Gridders had the better second half performance both offensively and defensively but just couldn't overcome the early deficit.
Part of the problem during the game was the wind which restricted the Gridders to a ground game.
Farrell, who plans to return next season, says it was a very emotional experience at the end of the game. "I wasn't really expecting that. It was kind of a reminder of how much of an investment these young men put into this team and the season. It was a pretty emotional experience walking off the field at the end," he concludes.
