ST. PAUL – For the last decade, the Holy Rosary Raiders dominated the Wheatland Football League (WFL), winning multiple championships. Last year, the Raiders also won the Tier III provincial bowl – the Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA) Tier III Provincial Championship – their first since 2014.
The Raiders also showed an extremely strong performance throughout the 2023 season, defeating teams left and right, and winning matches with over 35-point lead. The St. Paul Lions themselves experienced the team’s strength, losing against the Raiders by an overwhelming 50-3 on Sept. 29.
But not this time.
On Nov. 3, the St. Paul Lions emerged victorious over the heavily favoured Holy Rosary Raiders to claim the 2023 WFL championship, securing a 19-15 upset win.
Lions head coach Mark Tichkowsky said it was a challenging game. “Holy Rosary is a great team. They have athletes everywhere out there. They’re well-coached. So, you know it’s always a battle against them.”
Throughout the game it was a “back-and-forth,” according to Tichkowsky, “and I think our boys started to believe in the second half that you know, we can get it done.”
Recalling the game, he said, “Our defense came to play, and then the offence made a couple of big plays toward the end.”
According to Tichkowsky, the Lions have failed to win the WFL in the last 10 years. So, to emerge victorious this year, “It was a special night for our boys.”
Now, the Lions will eye the provincial bowl in the Tier IV division. The Lions will be on a bye week, which means they move straight to the North Championship.
On Nov. 11, the Sexsmith Sabres will play the Wainwright Commandos. Whoever wins the game will play the Lions.
Winning the North Championship will allow the winning team a chance at the Alberta Bowl and will face off against the winner of the South Championship.
