As the saying goes in football, offence sells tickets, but defence wins championships.
In the case of the Airdrie Raiders this year, it's clear the midget (U17) football team is staking its championship contentions early.
Two weeks into the 2023 Calgary Spring Football Association (CSFA) season, the Raiders are still unbeaten, having opened their campaign with shutout wins over the Calgary Chiefs and the Calgary Rebels. Airdrie began the season by beating the Chiefs 13-0 on April 6, and then continued the strong start by shutting out the Rebels 16-0 last night (April 13).
Head coach Steve Kemp said he's been impressed by his defensive corps. in particular, who managed to keep both the Raiders' opponents thus far off the score board.
“We’re extremely happy with the way our defence is playing right now,” he said. “They’re fast, they’re mean, they have a lot of gas in the tank right now and they’re holding up their end of the bargain, and then some. I’ve been really impressed with some of the younger guys stepping up in bigger roles and growing into them this year. It’s been really fun to watch.”
But while the defence has been making the headlines thus far, Kemp noted the Raiders' offence is similarly starting to find their feet. Once the team is able to shake off some penalty issues they've struggled with, he said the team will likely be flying.
“The defence is playing at a very high level right now, but our offence is starting to find their groove and their gear too,” he said. “In this game [last night], we struggled in the first quarter a bit, and in the second half, we were moving the ball a lot.
“But penalties have been our Achilles’ heel. We’ll get a good drive going, and then kill it with back-to-back penalties.”
The Raiders' touchdowns on Thursday were scored by rookie Jayden Barker and Spencer Aguinaldo. Late in the second quarter, Barker caught a screen pass at the Rebels' 30-yard line before marching into the end zone.
Early into the fourth quarter, Aguinaldo, who held onto a long-bomb pass from the Raiders' 40 before out-pacing the Rebels' defenders all the way to the end zone, helped extend Airdrie's lead.
Both of the Raiders' opponents thus far are still winless in the CSFA. Next week, the Airdronians will likely face a tougher challenge when they take on the Calgary Hilltoppers, who currently sport a 1-1 record. That game gets underway Thursday night (April 20) at Shouldice Athletic Park in northwest Calgary, with kick-off set for 6:15 p.m.
“We’re just starting to dig into the homework for it, but they had a big comeback win,” Kemp said of his upcoming opponent. “They were down 11-0 at halftime [and then won 30-11], so I think they’re a team that plays hard.
“[The Hilltoppers] have a new coaching staff that was probably feeling out and trying to find their groove too. I think they might have found it, so it will be a team we match up well with. I think it’s going to be a very competitive game.”
While it's still early days, one team that has already made a strong statement in the CSFA this year is the Calgary Wildcats. They've dominated both of their games to date, scoring 80 points and only conceding three.
Kemp acknowledged the Wildcats are always a tough team, and like the Raiders, could be a valid title contender this season. Airdrie's regular-season game against the Wildcats will be on May 5.
“This year, they’ve come out flying,” he said. “They have key guys in key positions returning from last year and they were one win away from being in the championship. They’ve got an excellent coaching staff and have had their team ready right from the first whistle. They’re flying and making plays right now. They’re fun to watch.”
For schedules, scores, and more info about the Raiders, visit the CSFA website at site1451.goalline.ca
