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(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)
14-1

Cougars knock off Rams for high school football playoff berth

Oct 15, 2022 | 10:48 AM

The Lacombe Rams and Notre Dame Cougars duked it out Friday night to advance to the main round of the Football Alberta high school playoffs.

The final score: 14-1 for the Cougars, who scored both touchdowns in the first half at Setters Place at Great Chief Park.

Rams Coach Garner Kolybaba points out his team was a young one this season.

“We only had a small handful of grade 12s, but our defense was pretty solid for us this year and I’m proud of the whole team,” he said post-game. “Notre Dame had a couple big plays today, but all in all, this season sets us up well for next year and our final game against Lindsay Thurber.”

A mid-fourth quarter 70-yard punt return for a touchdown by the Rams’ Adnesse Pannenbecker would’ve pulled the visitors within a single score. However, it was wiped out after a flag in the backfield.

Though eliminated from championship contention, the Rams do get to play a consolation game in the coming weeks.

“It was just nice to see our kids respond,” said Cougars Coach Ian Rattan. “We were pretty down low last week and it was nice to see us respond and get an opportunity to play another week of football.”

Rattan admitted though that they are yet to play a complete game.

“We’ve got to have a good couple weeks of practice and whoever we end up playing the first week of the playoffs is going to be a great team.”

The date for the 5 vs. 6 consolation game is to be determined, though 1st will play 4th and 2nd will play 3rd in playoff games on Oct. 28.

Stettler and Sylvan Lake, along with Notre Dame and Hunting Hills are those four teams. The Central final goes Nov. 4.