2023 ASAA provincial high school football playoffs set to begin

Quarterfinals

#1 Raymond Comets – BYE

#2 Harry Ainlay Titans – BYE

#5 Notre Dame (CGY) Pride at #4 St. Francis Browns

Sat. Nov. 11 – 5:00 p.m., Hellard Field at Shouldice Park (Calgary)

Third time’s the charm in 2023 for these two teams. After a regular season contest that saw the Pride win 21-14 and a Calgary Division I Semi-Final rematch that saw the Browns win 50-21, these two storied programs are set for the rubber match in the opening round of the Brian Fryer Division of Provincials. The Fryer Division of Tier I is a ranked affair and with only six teams declaring for it in 2023 it was inevitable that two teams from Calgary would face each other again, and if you’re going to pick two teams to break that ice there is no better than these two. Both hailing from the talent rich north side of Calgary, these two programs are annually on a list of the best high school teams in Canada and their regular season tilt draws so many fans, it has to be moved to McMahon Stadium. The last game of the day on Saturday at Hellard has the potential to be the best game of the day.

#6 Bev Facey Falcons at #3 Ernest Manning Griffins

Sat. Nov. 11 – 2:30 p.m., Hellard Field at Shouldice Park (Calgary)

The game one timeslot ahead of the aforementioned Browns/Pride rubber match is no undercard. Both of these teams haven’t had the long-term pedigree of the teams that will follow them, but they are programs on the rise with just as much claim to the Fryer Division hopes as anyone. The Griffins are a great story, taking a team that spent the better part of this Century in Division II in Calgary to now two straight Calgary Division I Championships. Their comeback from 0-17 in the third quarter to win 21-17 over St. Francis last weekend in the Div. I Final was epic. Facing them is another program with high aspirations. The Falcons are known for producing NFL calibre players (see Hubbard, Chuba) but have been spinning their wheels since the Chuba years until recently. Last year’s strong showing in the Larry Wilson Division of the Tier I playoffs springboarded them to a solid 7-3 record in Metro Edmonton Division I and a declaration to move up to the Fryer Division. Being upset in the Metro semifinals probably doesn’t sit well with the Falcons and the challenge the Griffins provide is great, but it all makes for a mid-day match up in Calgary that shouldn’t be missed.

Larry Wilson (Regional) Division

Northern Semi-finals

Grande Prairie Phoenix at Paul Kane Blues

Sat. Nov. 11 – 2:30 p.m., Emerald Hills Regional Stadium (Sherwood Park)

This game should be a run and gun affair, as both teams are known for scoring points in bunches when the opportunity presents themselves. The Larry Wilson Division of Provincials at the Tier I level is a regionally based affair for teams not declaring for the Brian Fryer Division of Tier I. The Blues finished their Metro Edmonton Division I season with a spot in the Championship Game where they gave the Harry Ainlay Titans everything until the #2 team in the province pulled away at the end. Filled with elite skill players Paul Kane will be a tough out at the Larry Wilson Division. The Phoenix may not have had the finish they were looking for with a semi-final loss to Sexsmith in the Mighty Peace League but as the largest team in the league population wise they advance to this level looking to see what they can do Provincially.

Salisbury Sabres at Notre Dame (RD) Cougars

Fri. Nov. 10 – 5:00 p.m., Setters Place at Great Chief Park (Red Deer)

Another Metro Edmonton team on the prowl at the Wilson level is the Salisbury Sabres. A team recognized for its traditions and top-notch play; the Sabres were in definite rebuild mode in 2023 before a late season surge that left them just on the doorstep of playoffs in Metro Div. I. With a couple weeks off to build towards this opportunity they will be a handful for sure. In their way are the tough Notre Dame Cougars from Red Deer. A solid second place finish in the Central Alberta league coupled with a gritty performance in the Central Final before bowing to Hunting Hills 20-9, means the Cougars are not to be taken lightly and could begin a run of their own this Friday at home. Note this is one of two games in the province that will be competed on the Friday.

Southern Semi-Finals

Foothills Falcons at All Saints Legends

Sat. Nov. 11 – 12:00 p.m,, Hellard Field at Shouldice Park (Calgary)

Who knew about the Falcons? Always a quality team from Okotoks they’ve struggled to find a place at Tier I since their population bumped them up a few years ago. This year it was a win one, lose one affair, taking on some of the toughest teams in Alberta with an independent schedule. In their way to get to this point was the undefeated George McDougall Mustangs whom the Falcons defeated last Saturday night in a 13-10 defensive classic to earn the South Central Zone berth. Now, they spring into action against the defending Larry Wilson Division Southern Alberta Champs. The Legends made it all the way to the Alberta Bowl last year before losing a classic back and forth affair 38-37 to the eventual champions Spruce Grove Cougars. This year they are on the hunt again and it starts at noon on Saturday.

Henry Wise Wood Warriors at L.C.I. Rams

Sat. Nov. 11 – 12:00 p.m.., University of Lethbridge Community Stadium (Lethbridge)

L.C.I. is a name that strikes a lot of fear in opponents, and don’t let their 2-8 record fool you. The Rams embarked on the toughest schedule of anyone in the province as an independent including five games against Brian Fryer declared teams, three against Larry Wilson level opponents and one American team. Even their two games vs. teams in lower Tiers were against the number one ranked teams at those levels at the time. Things didn’t work out for them record wise but they are certainly battle tested. As are their opposition who made it to the quarterfinals of the tough Calgary Division I league before being defeated by All Saints. The Warriors are a well coached bunch who can surprise and remember their one point loss exit from this level of provincials last year in this game to Cochrane, so buckle up in Lethbridge this Saturday.

PAST TIER I CHAMPIONS

1986 – Salisbury Sabres 1995 – St. Francis Browns 2004 – St. Francis Browns 2013 – Notre Dame Pride

1987 – Harry Ainlay Titans 1996 – Raymond Comets 2005 – Raymond Comets 2014 – Notre Dame Pride

1988 – L.C.I. Rams 1997 – Raymond Comets 2006 – Salisbury Sabres 2015 – St. Francis Browns

1989 – L.C.I. Rams 1998 – Raymond Comets 2007 – St. Francis Browns 2016 – St. Francis Browns

1990 – L.C.I Rams 1999 – Jasper Place Rebels 2008 – Raymond Comets 2017 – Harry Ainlay Titans

1991 – Henry Wise Wood 2000 – Strathcona Lords 2009 – Raymond Comets 2018 – St. Francis Browns

1992 – L.C.I. Rams 2001 – Strathcona Lords 2010 – Raymond Comets 2019 – Harry Ainlay Titans

1993 – L.C.I. Rams 2002 – Bev Facey Falcons 2011 – Harry Ainlay Titans 2021 – Harry Ainlay Titans

1994 – L.C.I. Rams 2003 – St. Francis Browns 2012 – Notre Dame Pride 2022 – Raymond Comets

TIER II (School Pop. 750-1249)

Northern Semi-Finals

#1 St. Josephs Celtics at #3 Hunting Hills Lightning

Sat. Nov. 11 – 1:00 p.m., Setters Field at Great Chief Park (Red Deer)

Not much history here between these two teams despite being regular participants in Provincials at the Tier II level. The Lightning are no strangers to this draw but are usually on the south side of the draw and haven’t participated since 2019 after eight straight seasons in the mix up to that point. The Central Alberta Champions also had issues with advancing to the final having lost the Southern Final four years straight from 2016-19. Perhaps their luck might change on the north side of the draw but their opponent will be the #1 ranked St. Joseph’s Celtics. The powerhouse from Grande Prairie won it all in 2021 and is angling for another shot at the title here having won the Peace Bowl of the Mighty Peace League once again. Long trip for the Celtics and the Lightning have dreams of their own so it should be a good one in Red Deer this Saturday.

Cold Lake Royals at #5 Austin O’Brien Crusaders

Fri. Nov. 10 – 1:00 p.m., Jasper Place Bowl (Edmonton)

The Crusaders usual dance partner in this round is the Lloydminster Barons, but with the Barons now moving their athletic pursuits to Saskatchewan, the Cold Lake Royals now fill the void. The Royals had a good year in the Wheatland League and are a bit of a dark horse here with their population growing and it being their first ever time at Tier II (i.e. they were in the Tier IV Final of the Alberta Bowl in 2017 in their last appearance). The Crusaders on the other hand had a solid year at the Metro Edmonton Division I level. Making the top four and playoffs in that league is difficult at the best of times but even harder for a Tier II sized school. Yet, Austin O’Brien did just that and may be taking a .500 record into Provincials but is very battle tested and the defending Northern Champions from last year will definitely be in the mix for another title run.

Southern Semi-Finals

#6 Cochrane Cobras at #7 Bishop Carroll Cardinals

Sat. Nov. 11 – 4:00 p.m., Stampeder Field at Shouldice Park (Calgary)

Seems odd to have Tier II’s only undefeated team, Bishop Carroll, ranked 7^th but it’s a cautionary tale. The Cardinals are full measure for their unblemished record but it is only done within the confines of Calgary Division II where all the schools above them have played ranked Tier I opponents. This makes them a bit of a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, inside a riddle when it comes to predicting their fate. On the other side of the ball are the storied Cochrane Cobras with an unusual two losses on their record this year. They still are a top-level program and are challenging above their weight class (they are Tier III sized), but it’s hard to recall a year where they sported that many losses. So, it will definitely be a trip into the unknown on Saturday at Shouldice Park.

#2 Holy Trinity Academy Knights at #4 Medicine Hat Hawks

Sat. Nov. 11 – 2:30 p.m., Methanex Bowl (Medicine Hat)

The Knights of Okotoks are no stranger to Provincials having advanced to the final the last three times they were held, winning it all in 2019, losing to St. Joseph’s in 2021, and winning it all again last season. This season they have once again been dominant with their only loss coming at the hands of the Chinook Coyotes on September 22. Facing them this Saturday will be a very familiar opponent in the Medicine Hat Hawks. The Knights and Hawks have played each other in both the non-conference pre-season and in Provincials the past three seasons with Holy Trinity Academy holding a 5-1 advantage. The Hawks have had a strong season and cruised into Provincials on the strength of a 46-0 defeat of Catholic Central in the South Zone Tier II Final. This year the game is in the Hat so we’ll see if that helps the Hawks move forward in the draw.

PAST TIER II CHAMPIONS

1986 – Stettler Wildcats 1995 – Brooks Buffalos 2004 – Foothills Falcons 2013 – Austin O’Brien Crusaders

1987 – Cardston Cougars 1996 – Cochrane Cobras 2005 – St. Mary’s Saints 2014 – St. Joseph’s Celtics

1988 – Salisbury Sabres 1997 – Brooks Buffalos 2006 – Foothills Falcons 2015 – Foothills Falcons

1989 – Archbishop Jordan Scots 1998 – Cochrane Cobras 2007 – Notre Dame Pride 2016 – Foothills Falcons

1990 – Cardston Cougars 1999 – George McDougall 2008 – Notre Dame Pride 2017 – Foothills Falcons

1991 – Cardston Cougars 2000 – Foothills Falcons 2009 – Foothills Falcons 2018 – Lloydminster Barons

1992 – Cardston Cougars 2001 – Med. Hat Mohawks 2010 – Catholic Central 2019 – Holy Trinity Academy

1993 – Cardston Cougars 2002 – Arch. Jordan Scots 2011 – Austin O’Brien 2021 – St. Joseph’s Celtics

1994 – Lloydminster Barons 2003 – Arch. Jordan Scots 2012 – Austin O’Brien 2022 – Holy Trinity Academy

TIER III (School Pop. 450-749)

Northern Semi-Finals

#6 Bonnyville Voyageurs at #4 Ardrossan Bisons

Sat. Nov. 11 – 12:00 p.m., Emerald Hills Regional Field (Sherwood Park)

Who are two teams that have never faced each other before? That Jeopardy answer would be the Bonnyville Voyageurs and the Ardrossan Bisons. The Bisons are normally found at the Tier IV level and have five Provincial Tier IV titles in their trophy case. But Tier III is a different animal. They have been at that level at times before when their population increased which included a 2013 final appearance but have been all Tier IV since that time. They also put up a good fight in Metro Edmonton Division III advancing to the league final last week. The Voyageurs are newbies to a certain extent having only been to Provincials once before in 2011 but are full measure for their participation this year having advanced to the Wheatland semi-finals two weeks ago. The first game of the day in the Edmonton area looks to be a good one.

#3 Whitecourt Cats at #1 Holy Rosary Raiders

Sat. Nov. 11 – 1:00 p.m., Holy Rosary High School (Lloydminster)

Two teams coming into this game from different angles. The Cats are flying high after their win over Fort McMurray in the Athabasca Bowl Division of the Mighty Peace League, while the Raiders are coming off an uncharacteristic loss in the Wheatland Championship game to St. Paul. Still, the Raiders are the one to beat in the north as the defending Provincial Champions have been the north representative in Tier III at the Alberta Bowl for the past seven seasons (not counting the COVID break year of 2020). The last team to represent the North in the Alberta Bowl prior to Holy Rosary was Whitecourt in 2014. We’ve got a ways to go before anyone goes for the title, but this will be a very interesting match-up in the first round.

Southern Semi-Finals

#5 Cardston Cougars at #2 Olds Spartans

Fri. Nov. 10 – 2:00 p.m., Setters Place at Great Chief Park (Red Deer)

Watch out for the Cardston Cougars. After a dismal start to the season which had them 1-4 and unranked as of the beginning of October, the Cougars have rolled off three straight victories, evened their record, and punched their ticket to Provincials with a convincing win over Winston Churchill two weeks ago. Waiting for them are the highly ranked Olds Spartans who have cruised through the year only losing to Drumheller twice. The Spartans have sporadically participated in Provincials in the past and haven’t advanced out of the first round so these are heights that are new to them. Moving the game to Red Deer to take advantage of a good surface might be the advantage they need to move on. The Cougars have a long history in Provincials but haven’t advance to a final since 2010 so a lot is on the line this Friday in Red Deer.

#8 Stettler Wildcats at #7 Crescent Heights Vikings

Sat., Nov. 11 – 12:00 p.m., Methanex Bowl (Medicine Hat)

This game is a rematch from two seasons ago which saw the Vikings win at home in the Methanex Bowl 20-2 over the visiting Wildcats. The Wildcats are an enigma to watch this season as they lost all of their regular season games but were in most of them with the margin of loss in all but two games being less than a touchdown. Still, they won when it counted with a 14-6 win over Sylvan Lake two weeks ago to earn this spot. The Vikings have a losing record as well but turned it on late in the year advancing to their second straight Rangeland Conference Championship game two weeks ago losing 41-14 to the powerhouse Hawks from Medicine Hat High. Still when its apples vs. apples in terms of school size both of these teams are dangerous in the post-season so it all starts on Saturday.

PAST TIER III CHAMPIONS

1986 – Cochrane Cobras 1995 – Kate Andrews Spartans 2004 – Cochrane Cobras 2013 – Cardston Cougars

1987 – Cochrane Cobras 1996 – Sexsmith Sabres 2005 – Cochrane Cobras 2014 – Cochrane Cobras

1988 – Medicine Hat Mohawks 1997 – Springbank Phoenix 2006 – Wetaskiwin Sabres 2015 – Cochrane Cobras

1989 – Will Sinclair Rebels 1998 – McCoy Colts 2007 – Cochrane Cobras 2016 – Cochrane Cobras

1990 – Raymond Comets 1999 – W.R. Myers Rebels 2008 – Cochrane Cobras 2017 – Cochrane Cobras

1991 – Raymond Comets 2000 – W.R. Myers Rebels 2009 – Brooks Buffalos 2018 – Cochrane Cobras

1992 – Raymond Comets 2001 – W.R. Myers Rebels 2010 – Cardston Cougars 2019 – Cochrane Cobras

1993 – Bert Church Chargers 2002 – Cochrane Cobras 2011 – Stettler Wildcats 2021 – Cochrane Cobras

1994 – Wainwright Commandos 2003 – Cochrane Cobras 2012 – Cochrane Cobras 2022 – Holy Rosary Raider

TIER IV (School Pop. 449 or less)

Northern Semi-Finals

#10 Wainwright Commandos at #3 Sexsmith Sabres

Sat. Nov. 11 – 2:30 p.m., Hanson Lincoln Field (Grande Prairie)

Possibly the farthest anyone has to travel this weekend. Clear across the Province from the far east to far west go the Commandos to take on the powerhouse Sabres. The Commandos used to be a fairly prolific participants in Provincials appearing 11 times from 1989 to 2005, which included a Provincial Tier III title in 1994 and two games vs. Sexsmith in 1997 and 1999 that were both Sabre victories. Still, it’s been 17 seasons since they’ve made the post season and waiting for them are the powerful Sabres who are only two seasons removed from their last Provincial Tier IV title. Will the Commandos capture some of that past provincial glory or will this be business as usual for the Sabres?

St. Paul Lions – BYE

The defending Northern Tier IV Champions and current Wheatland League Champions will have to wait another week until they get to play again. The province simply ran out of Tier IV teams at this time of year so the Lions will await the winner of Wainwright vs. Sexsmith.

Southern Semi-Finals

Willow Creek Cobras at Drumheller Titans

Sat. Nov. 11 – 1:00 p.m., Drumheller High School (Drumheller)

Usually meeting Willow Creek in the first round meant a quick ending to your Provincials experience. In 2019 they won it all with a 47-0 rout of Cold Lake in the Tier IV Final but since that time they have had middling results with sub .500 records in both 2021, 2022 and this past season. The Titans on the other hand are undefeated and defending Provincial Champions. Despite all of that these two teams have met in this round for the last two years with the games being competitive and entertaining. In 2021 the Titans prevailed in this first round game 19-12 and again in 2022 33-20.

Canmore Wolverines at W.R. Myers Rebels

Sat. Nov. 11 – 1:00 p.m., Ken McDonald Sports Complex (Taber)

Another two teams renewing acquaintances in the first round of Provincials are the Wolverines of Canmore and the Rebels from W.R. Myers in Taber. Always a strong program, the Rebels have only dropped one game this year to Chinook on September 15 and since that time have run the board. The Wolverines are a hard team to get a feel for since some of their games were cancelled due to referee shortages, but they have put a couple on the win side of the ledger and have a punchers chance on the grass in Taber this Saturday.

PAST TIER IV CHAMPIONS

1999 – Oilfields Drillers 2005 – Ardrossan Bisons 2011 – Drumheller Titans 2017 – Willow Ck. Cobras

2000 – Oilfields Drillers 2006 – Willow Creek Cobras 2012 – Drumheller Titans 2018 – Canmore W’rines

2001 – Ardrossan Bisons 2007 – Sylvan Lake Lakers 2013 – Drumheller Titans 2019 – Willow Ck. Cobras

2002 – Bow Valley Bobcats 2008 – Ardrossan Bisons 2014 – Holy Rosary Raiders 2020 – No Champion

2003 – Bow Valley Bobcats 2009 – Rundle College Cobras 2015 – Ardrossan Bisons 2021 – Sexsmith Sabres

2004 – Ardrossan Bisons 2010 – Rundle College Cobras 2016 – Bow Valley Bobcats 2022 – Drumheller Titans

6-a-side

#1 Millwoods Christian Royals – BYE
#2 J.C. Charyk Hawks – BYE

Quarterfinals (played last week)

#5 Hinton Wolfpack 66 #4 Breton Cougars 46

#3 Holy Redeemer Rebels 46 6 Rimbey Spartans 34

6-a-side is a little different than the rest as their quarterfinals were played last weekend and they will now take a week off until the Semi Finals on the weekend of Nov. 17/18. Those games will be hosted by the #1 and #2 ranked teams. Check the Football Alberta website for times and locations.

PAST 6-A-SIDE CHAMPIONS

2011 – Father Mercredi Trappers 2016 – St. Joseph’s Crusaders 2021 – Millwoods Christian Royals

2012 – Millwoods Christian Royals 2017 – Rimbey Spartans 2022 – Millwoods Christian Royals
2013 – Rimbey Spartans 2018 – J.C. Charyk Hawks

2014 – Rimbey Spartans 2019 – J.C. Charyk Hawks
2015 – St. Joseph’s Crusaders 2020 – No Champion

Football Alberta Minor Provincials

Kick-off this Weekend!

Along with all the high school fun the Minor Provincials for Bantam (age 13-15 * not in high school) and Pee-Wee (age 11-12) start this weekend as well. Unlike high school they are only a two-week event so all listed games are Provincial Semi-Finals.

2023 Minor Provincial Schedule

Bantam 12-A-Side

Tier I Semi-Finals – November 11

2:30 p.m. at JP Bowl (Edmonton)
Lethbridge Junior Rams at West Edmonton Raiders

1:00 p.m. at Stampeder Field, Shouldice Athletic Park (Calgary)
Sherwood Park Rams at Calgary Cowboys

Tier I Final – November 17-19
Winner L. Rams/Raiders @ winner S.P. Rams/Cowboys

Tier II Final – November 11

6:00 p.m. at Setters Place at Great Chief Park (Red Deer)
Crescent Heights (MHAT) Junior Vikings at Notre Dame (RD) Junior Cougars

Tier III Final – November 11

12:00 p.m. at JP Bowl (Edmonton)
Foothills Eagles at Edmonton Chargers

Bantam 9-A-Side

Tier I Semi-Finals – November 11

1:00 p.m. at Lions Field (St. Paul)
North Edmonton Seahawks at St. Paul Bengals

12:00 p.m. at Hanson Lincoln Field (Grande Prairie)
Bonnyville Bandits at Grande Prairie Broncos

Tier I Final – November 17-19
Winner of Bandits/Broncos. @ Seahawks/Bengals Hosts

Tier II Final – November 11

2:30 p.m. at U of L Stadium (Lethbridge)
Olds Bulldogs at Claresholm Cobras

Peewee

9-A-Side Tier I Finals (played last week)
Strathcona Wolverines 22 – Spruce Grove Cougars 0

9-A-Side Tier II Finals – November 11

5:00 p.m. – JP Bowl (Edmonton)
Stettler Panthers at Leduc Wildcats

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by Football Alberta

2023 ASAA provincial high school football playoffs set to begin

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