The Sylvan Lake Bears put their opposition into a deep freeze Oct. 27 with a 26-0 win over the Olds Huskies.
“According to us the game went very well,” said head coach Garnet Rambaut, with a laugh.
Although the Bears had only 19 players dress for the game, Rambaut said they were able to play strong both offensively and defensively. “It makes is a bit of a challenge. Our players are all cross-trained to play positions in offense and defense.”
Even with a short bench, Rambaut feels the players were in control and much of the game was played in the offense.
Although Saturday was bitterly cold the players from both teams stuck it out and played hard until the end. Rambaut says cold whether doesn’t have an effect on the Bears. “We play in the cold because we practice in the cold.”
Rambaut said unlike some other athletes, football players are conditioned to play in all types of weather, including the ice, wind and below zero. “You just have to be prepared for that and suffer through it.”
On Nov. 3 the Bears will play in Stettler against the Panthers.
The Bears’ first game of the season was against Stettler, whom they beat 25-0. However, Rambaut knows just because they started the season with a win doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to happen again.
“Just because we won the first game doesn’t mean we’re going to be overconfident,” said Rambaut. “We’re very evenly matched in scoring.”
Over the season the Bears have allowed the lowest number of points against. However, Rambaut said Stettler’s offense has done well against other teams.
For the league B-side final the Bears are going to play as aggressively as they always do. Rambaut says the team will practice four times a week to play once a week. “They worked very hard to get here. I’m very proud of them.”
Rambaut is also proud of every player in the league for their bravery in football; not to just play the game but to play it through injury if need be.
“They’re brave little guys” he said. “It’s a testament to their will.”