Being an all-weather team has its advantages.
So when the Springbank Community High School Phoenix wrapped up the Rocky View Sports Association (RVSA) Tier 2 football regular season in a chilly autumn drizzle, they were ready for the elements and Airdrie’s Bert Church High School Chargers.
“Over the years we’ve been pretty successful in bad weather,” Phoenix head coach Tony Lucas said. “I don’t know what that means, exactly. But I’ve been happy with it because I think it means you’re pretty focussed.”
Touchdowns from Makani Clapson, Devin Smith, Egan Hamill and Kevin Demmers powered the Phoenix to a 43-0 win over the Chargers Oct. 10 at Springbank. The Phoenix finished the regular season with a 3-2 record, good for second place in RVSA Tier 2.
The Phoenix face Chestermere High School Cowboys (1-4, third place) in the division semifinal.
“We beat them 46-9 when we played out there,” Lucas recalled of their Sept. 20 regular-season encounter. “But I take nothing for granted. It’s business as usual. We’re emphasizing one game at a time.”
The defence, behind senior linebackers Micah Teitz and Demmers, has been solid, allowing 78 points over five games.
The offence, featuring quarterback Egan Hamill and running backs Clapson and Smith, has also been sound. The offensive backfield has been busy toting the rock this season, particularly Hamill who has no problem taking off with the ball when he gets an opportunity.
“The running game. Hamill is big,” Lucas said of his starting QB. “I don’t necessarily recommend it, but he doesn’t mind running over people.”
Hamill and the Phoenix will attempt to run over the Chestermere Cowboys Oct. 18 at Springbank, 4:30 p.m. kickoff.
