The Cochrane Cobras officially advanced to the Tier III Alberta Bowl Provincial final, thanks to a 42-7 win over the Crescent Heights Vikings in Medicine Hat, Nov. 19.
“The kids played really well on both sides of the ball,” said Cobras’ assistant coach Jim Forrest.
“The weather was cold and there was a bit of wind, but the field was clear and we were able to run and pass quite effectively.”
Quarterback Cooper Hamaliuk and receiver Eric Patterson led the charge for the Cobras, with Patterson scoring two touchdowns and Hamaliuk adding one. Kristian Root also scored for the Cobras, despite turning his ankle in a previous game.
“We passed more than we had in most games this year,” said Forrest. “We passed the ball and we had good field position. They didn’t score until the end, so we had it in hand for most of the game.”
The Cobras played the Stettler Wildcats for the provincial title, Nov. 26 in Lethbridge after the Rocky View Weekly went to press.
The two last met in the provincial finals in 2007, which Cochrane won 43-7. Forrest said the Cobras were prepared heading into the game despite not having played Stettler for five years.
“They have some really good players and we know that it’s going to be a good test for us,” he said.
“We just need to do what we’ve been doing. We need to spread out the ball and get a good combination of running and passing. Our D goal is always primarily to stop the run and stopping the big plays.”
Forrest was also hopeful that the team would get top running back, Kellen Forrest, back for the last game of the season.
“He’s been practicing this week and he’s feeling like he can play,” Forrest said.
“He’s maybe not at 100 per cent, but he’s good enough to play. We’ll be pretty much at full strength and able to use all of our weapons.”
