The Springbank Phoenix football team dominated the George McDougall Mustangs 44-6, during its season opener Aug. 30 in Airdrie.
“[My players] came to play and I’m happy with how they played,” said head coach Shane Martel. “George Mac put up a hell of a fight, and they had us pretty scared in the first bit of the game. A couple of bounces went our way, and it is what it is.”
Grade-11 wide receiver Haiden Frolek scored three touchdowns, while Ryan Morriw, JP Barnet and senior running back Jack O’Brien also contributed to the Phoenix’s six-touchdown haul.
“It was really nice because last year I didn’t score a touchdown,” said Frolek, who also played at slotback. “I was happy to come out and help the team get the win. It was nice to come here, play the game and get a few touchdowns to go with it.”
The Mustangs’ sole TD came from senior Evan De Groot in the first quarter.
After a tightly fought opening 12 minutes ended with Springbank leading 7-6, the visitors pulled ahead in the second quarter with a strong offensive showing. Grade-11 quarterback Danny Skelton – who split playing time as a sophomore but has the starting pivot role locked down this year – demonstrated his range of passing when he connected on plenty of plays.
“I have a strong relationship with all of [the Phoenix receivers] and I can count on all of them to catch the ball, wherever I put it,” Skelton said. “We’ve really come together as a team – everyone is doing their job and it feels really good to come away with the win.”
While the Phoenix offence shined, the team’s defence – a main strength last year – was just as impressive. Led by senior lineman Luke Barnard, Springbank’s D-men prevented the Mustangs from coming within scoring range in the final three quarters.
“Our guys gelled – they bonded together and they were playing as a unit,” Martel said. “I’m really impressed with how they transitioned from our training camp to the field today.”
Springbank enjoyed a competitive season in 2018. The Phoenix finished second in the RVSA with a 6-2 record, with the team’s only defeats coming against the dominant Cochrane Cobras.
The team’s performances during the regular season resulted in a provincial playoff push, which ended Nov. 10 with a defeat to the Holy Trinity Academy Knights, of Okotoks.
With many of last year’s players still on the team, Martel said a year of growth will strengthen the chances of another solid showing.
“We’re lucky – we’re in a transition year right now where we have a lot of guys who have played and have experience with our systems,” he said.
“It makes it a little easier on us as a coaching staff, but there’s a long way to go. There are still five games to go [in the regular season], and anything can happen – it’s just one win, so far.”
The team’s second game of 2019 took place Sept. 13 (after press time) at Springbank Park For All Seasons against the W.H. Croxford Cavaliers.
The Phoenix will return to the gridiron Sept. 20, travelling east to face the Chestermere Lakers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Utley Field.
