It’s a tale of two teams.
One, with a rookie starting quarterback who showed the most poise and confidence he’s shown all season. The other, with a coach who was concerned with his team’s performance despite a 33-point margin of victory.
So when the Cochrane High School Cobras defeated the host Bow Valley High School Bobcats 45-12 on Oct. 12, there were a few stories to tell.
“One of our best games, both offence and defence,” enthused Bobcats defensive coordinator Mike Dang, whose defence held the Cobras scoreless in the first quarter. “We came out with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of energy.”
Cobras coach Rob McNab’s assessment of his side was less effusive.
“I got absolutely . . . definitely not as much as I wanted out of them,” McNab said of his team which, while winning, wasn’t its usual sharp self. “Let’s play Cobra football.”
Blown assignments and costly penalties were McNab’s two main concerns. Still, behind a robust offensive line, running back Justin Mount was running wild, opening the game with a 35-yard scamper.
“They ran the ball well,” observed Dang. “On defence, we saw that and tried to make adjustments as well.”
Cochrane’s defence was swarming to the ball, but a heavy dose of Bobcats running back Jacob Neill pounding the ball at them made it tough.
“I felt it went pretty good,” said Cobras linebacker Mike Quillian. “We did have some breakdowns and stuff. But, all in all, we played well.”
And Bobcats Grade 10 quarterback Scott Haigh looked as comfortable under centre as he has all season.
“He settled into the game well,” Bobcats offensive coordinator Norm Cobble assessed. “He moved the ball well. Our offence finally got some confidence. They know they can do it now.”
Kelton Beach and Cody Stevens both played at quarterback for the Cobras, with Beach throwing for a TD and running for one and Stevens throwing for two scores. Mount scored twice, one on a 13-yard screen pass and one on a three-yard run. Jacob Moulton and Dean Cheadle also scored for the Cobras with Travis Chase kicking a field goal.
Haigh scored on a one-yard dive for the Bobcats and Neill scored on a three-yard run.
