The Lakers cruised to their first playoff victory of 2016.
On Thursday, October 27 – the H.J. Cody Lakers hosted the Camrose Trojans in the first round of this year’s playoffs. The game was never in doubt, as the Lakers stormed to a 39-7 victory. The Lakers benefited from solid kicking courtesy of Jonny Payne, who gave the team good field position all game and even notched a 40-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
“I practiced that kick 100 times this season, so I’m pretty confident,” Payne said.
His Coach Jeremy Braitenback added Payne’s skills on the field are blossoming, adding it gives the team a great field advantage going into the kickoffs.
Despite the success shown on the field Braitenback wasn’t all smiles at the end of the game. The Lakers took multiple undisciplined penalties throughout the game – which would not work against Stettler; the team they face this weekend Saturday November 5 at 2:00p.m. on H.J. Cody Field.
“We played good at times and we didn’t at others,” he said. “We talked about attention to detail and how little things add up. Fortunately, we still won today but against a top team - it might be different.”
He added you solve penalties by making it a priority and talk about moving your feet so you don’t get holding calls.
“Its about playing smart,” explained Braitenback.
The Lakers played Stettler earlier this year, resulting in a 15-14 victory won on a punt through the end zone. Braitenback is pleased he could get a look at them earlier this year.
“We will look at what Stettler did last time and what they have to correct,” he said. “We need to play our game.”
Payne feels that playing their game wont be difficult and looks forward to a Laker Championship banner.
“Yo - Lakers ‘Threepeat’ - you know it,” he added, referring to the possibility of taking home a third championship consecutive league championship.
Braitenback encourages everyone to attend the game against Stettler and wanted to thank everyone who watched the Lakers game against Camrose.
Don’t miss the Lakers next home game this Saturday at 2 p.m. on H.J. Cody Field as they take on the Stettler Wildcats for the league championship.
reporter@sylvanlakenews.com