After a solid win in the provincial quarterfinal, the Glaciers couldn’t quite get on track against the defending provincial champions, Rimbey Spartans on Nov. 15 and ultimately lost by a score of 55–24.
With the temperature hovering around -8° C, the Jasper players, sporting their new royal blue road jerseys, had their first opportunity to play on field turf in Lacombe.
Most of the first half was a defensive struggle, although Rimbey managed to gain an 8–0 lead. The Glacier offense just wasn’t able to break out as they had all season and a couple of defensive miscues late in the second quarter brought the score to 24-0 for home team.
Before the quarter was over, Martin Kreiner moved to quarterback and had a strong 30-yard run that eventually set up a touchdown on a sweep to Dylan Mooney. The first half ended with a score of 24–8, with the momentum in Jasper’s favour.
The second half saw the Glaciers begin a come back, scoring quickly on another run by Kreiner, who broke tackles on his 45-yard romp to the end zone. Rimbey was quick to respond and regain the two score lead.
Glacier miscues on snaps and fumbles gave the ball back to the Rimbey squad and the Spartans scored on those possessions. Early in the fourth quarter, Glacier Sean Lanigan made a spectacular catch and fought to get the ball down to the 1-yard line.
Kreiner capped off the drive with a quarterback sneak for six points. Rimbey would score again to round it out to a score of 55–24 as the stadium lights came on.
The 2014 season is over, though with a majority of players in Grade 10 and 11, the future is positive for the Glaciers with much promise in store.
The team will conclude the year with their annual banquet and awards ceremony on Nov. 26. Tickets can be purchased at the office of École Desrochers.
Fred Kreiner
Special to the 51°µÍø
