ST. PAUL – Emotions ran high as the St. Paul Lions and the Cold Lake Royals battled it out during a Wheatland Football League semi-final match on Friday night.
During the first quarter, the Lions came out strong, pushing through the Royal’s defense to score the first touchdown four minutes into the game. Then the Lions scored another, widening the gap 13-0 by the end of the quarter.
The game heated up as both teams returned back to the field, with Ryan Songer (#8) getting a touchdown five minutes into the second quarter. Then five minutes prior to the end of the quarter, Jeanathan Cheremshynski (#7) scored another touchdown for the Lions.
With just under three minutes left, the Royals responded with their first touchdown and closed the gap, closing the first half with a score of 28-7.
In the third quarter, the Royals beefed up their defense, but the Lions found a hole, allowing Zachary Quinton (#9) find his way to the end zone – ending the quarter 34-7 in favour of the home team.
The Royals attempted to gain ground in the last quarter, but the Lions remained strong. However, the Royals played a strong defense and neither team scored, resulting in a final score of 34-7.
There were more penalties than usual on both sides Friday night, “and it might have been just the emotions of semi-finals for the boys,” according to Lions’ head coach Mark Tichkowsky. “That’s something we have to clean up for the next game for sure.”
Players from both teams also suffered injuries, including Lions’ running and defensive back Loic Ndongwa (#22) in the first half.
Luke Germain, who was one of the Lion’s best performers during the game, said the Lions have seen “a lot of improvement” and he felt his teammates stepped up their game, specifically after Ndongwa sustained an injury.
“We had [Ndongwa] our main tailback [go] out early in the game, but the guys came in and stepped up – it was a good win for us,” said Germaine. “We were a little slow in the second half, but I’d like to carry this energy in the next game against Holy Rosary.”
Offensive lineman and defensive end Helman Ndose (#65) was also among the Lions’ top performers during the game. The match was also Ndose’s first game since recovering from an injury.
“I didn’t think I would be able to play this good today,” admitted Ndose, explaining how he did not feel fully recovered from his injury. He was also briefly taken off the field but came back and “gave all my best.”
He credited the win to his teammates. “I’m impressed by what my team did because they really stepped up... So, I’m proud of what we did today."
Ndose and Germain concluded by wishing Ndongwa a swift recovery.
Lakeland This Week talked to Jacques Nkogo, Ndongwa's father, for an update. He said Ndongwa will be unable to play for a while, and it remains unknown when the running and defensive back will be making a full recovery.
Lions’ player Ryan Fodchuk (#5), who sustained an injury last month, is also still recovering from an injury.
The Lions will hit the road to play against Lloydminster’s Holy Rosary Raiders this Friday for the Wheatland Football League championship. The Raiders remain undefeated with a record of 5-0 and sit at the top of the league standings, while the Lions are second with a record of 4-1.
“Hopefully we can prepare well for Holy Rosary and give them a good game,” said Tichkowsky.
Holy Rosary beat their rivals from Lloydminster Comprehensive High School by a score of 42-21 on Oct. 28 to earn their spot at the Nov. 4 championship game.
