Spartans aim to end season on high note after best offensive showing

“It feels like we just started, but we’re already seven weeks in, which is sad,” he said. “Friday is the last time that we’ll ever be this group. But it’s exciting to see just how far this group has come in the very short time.”

The Meadow Lake Spartans (orange and white) face Kindersley Kobras (yellow and black) at Kindersley Composite High School on Oct. 9. The Spartans lost 70–21, recording their highest scoring total of the season. (Image Credit: Coleton Ethier)

The Spartans’ latest game ended in a 70–21 loss to Kindersley Kobras on Oct. 9, but Ethier pointed to their season-high scoring total and improved running game.

Kindersley built a 21–0 lead in the first quarter before an interception by Dylan Mutch early in the second helped the Spartans get moving. Two long scoring drives brought the halftime score to 42–14.

Cameron Bell caught all three Spartans touchdown passes from quarterback Kayl Solsten. Layne Coverchuk recorded the team’s second interception in the second half.

Ethier said the players maintained their effort throughout the game and played physically in the second half, although another slow start remained a concern.

Increased defensive attention on the Spartans’ receivers opened opportunities to run the ball, he said. He also saw better defensive containment, although Kindersley’s quarterback was still able to make defenders miss.

Asked about the team’s biggest improvements through the season, Ethier singled out the offensive line.

“Honestly, our biggest improvement has been our offensive line’s ability to block. That position group has improved the most by far.”

He also pointed to the players’ growing willingness to play physical football.

The Kindersley game followed an Oct. 1 matchup against North Battleford’s JPII Crusaders in which Ethier said the Spartans had not been ready to play. Coaches urged them to put that performance behind them, and he credited their engagement during the following practice week.

Physical play will remain a practice priority ahead of Delisle, with stopping its running attack a key focus for the finale, which will take place at Delisle Composite High School starting at 4 p.m.

“We know Delisle is going to be a tough nose team that’s going to want to grind the ball on the ground. So we’re going to have to be really, really ready to stop the run.”

Beyond the final game, Ethier said the players’ attitude gives the team something to build on as they gain experience.

“These kids are going to do great things in the future,” he said.

“They have the right attitude. It’s just a matter of it taking several years to become very good at the game of football, and they just don’t have the experience under them. But the attitude is there, which we will be able to build off of that.”

READ MORE:

GAME 1: ‘Iron sharpens iron’: Spartans find progress despite 71-0 loss to start season
GAME 2: Spartans hold firm early before Humboldt pulls away for 62-0 win
GAME 3: Spartans break through for first touchdowns of season in loss to North Battleford
GAME 4: Spartans offence breaks through in 74-14 loss to Kindersley

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Spartans aim to end season on high note after best offensive showing

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