Surprise, surprise.
The Cochrane High School Cobras dismissed Medicine Hat’s Crescent Heights High School Vikings 56-3 in Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association South Zone Tier 3 semifinal football playoff action Nov. 8 in Calgary.
While that was no surprise, the team waiting for No. 3-ranked Cobras at the final whistle was.
Cochrane advances to tackle Calgary’s Rundle College Cobras, not Cardston Cougars as everyone, except Rundle, had anticipated. No. 7-ranked Rundle downed No. 1-ranked defending provincial-champion Cardston 14-8 in the other Nov. 8 Tier 3 Zone semi – in Cardston. It’s why you play them.
So it’s down to a battle of the big vipers for the South Central Zone Tier 3 football championship Nov. 15 at Rundle, 1 p.m. kickoff.
Following his team’s methodical takedown of visiting No. 4-ranked Vikings at Calgary’s Shouldice Park, Cochrane co-head-coach and offensive coordinator Rob McNab was already scheming for Rundle. “I have to do my homework this week on them. We’ll be ready. I find Rundle very disciplined and very, very sound,” McNab reported. “In the past when I’ve watched them, they don’t do a lot of fancy stuff. What they do, they do well. They let you do this and this, and wait for you to make a mistake.
“They’re a good team.”
Against Vikings, Cochrane’s offensive and defensive lines were money. Cochrane senior quarterback Cody Stevens wasn’t knocked down once and was seldom pressured.
“We just played how we played,” remarked Cochrane O-lineman Brock Wiebe, who grinned when told his quarterback wasn’t seen on his rear end all game. “Move forward. Make sure Cody didn’t get hit.”
Grade 11 defensive end Justin Sambu had his motor running full throttle, and Vikings had no answer. He knocked down four pass attempts and intimidated QB Alex Glauser in the Vikings backfield all day.
“Go hard, or go home,” the smiling rush end said following the win over Vikings. “I just wanted to step up.”
He wants to do more against Rundle.
“I’m hoping we’re stronger,” Sambu said. “If they beat Cardston, we know they’re good. We’re going to be practising all week. They have a couple of good linebackers. We’ll have to get on that.”
Cochrane quarterback Stevens made the most of his O-line’s protection, feasting on the Vikings D for 400 yards and five passing TDs. He’s already scouting Rundle’s defensive tendencies.
“They do a really good job with a zone defence,” Stevens related. “They’re really disciplined with that. It’s something we’ll have to work on.”
He’s looking forward playing behind his O-line again.
“They played fantastic (against Vikings). I’m glad I have those guys,” Stevens enthused. “They’ve been working really hard throughout this season and especially this week. They’ve really settled down for the playoffs.”
No surprise there.
ASAA South Division
Tier 3 Regional Final
No. 3 Cochrane Cobras (8-2)
at No. 7 Rundle College Cobras (5-3)
Sat., Nov. 15, 1 p.m.
Rundle College Field (Calgary)
