The season is over for the St. Paul Bengals.
After fighting back into playoff contention, the Bengals fell just short in a 44-6 loss to the Lloydminster Chargers at home on Saturday.
After finishing the first half down 12-6, the Bengals failed to mount a comeback and the Chargers took over the game heading into the final quarter.
“I think that coming form the beginning of the season, wondering if we're even going to have a team with enough kids, to playing for a playoff spot. I think we came quite a ways,” said Bengals offensive lineman Bradley Dubrule, who got to step in as quarterback for a few plays in the fourth quarter.
“I had one interception so I don't think that was too good, but when you're down like that you've got to let someone try something new. We had a couple of rookies get in after me, and some linemen. I think it was just something (Coach Seth Henderson) wanted to do, it was fun.”
Henderson said that he wanted to make sure all of his players had fun in their last game of the season.
“It was just an idea to get some fun in, and a lesson for the guys who think it's easy playing quarterback,” he said. “Just getting everybody in, getting some chances and having some fun.”
Saturday’s matchup marked the final game in Henderson’s coaching career in St. Paul after four years as head coach of the Bengals.
“This is my last game coaching in St. Paul Football. This is my fourth year, and I put one year in when I was a first year teacher here, with the St. Paul Lions,” said Henderson. “I've enjoyed it and I'll always remember the memories that we had here. It's unfortunate that we couldn’t put a run together this year, but that's how it happens.”
Dubrule said that he is happy to have played under Henderson for three seasons, who he says has helped prepared him for his future as a Lion.
“He's been good. He's definitely taught us the hard way through lots of practice and doing things right, but I think in the end it makes us better players and it sends us off to the Lions well trained for what's to come,” said Dubrule.
Henderson made a point to “thank all the players and parents who have helped make this coaching experience possible” and extended an added thanks to his fellow coaching staff throughout his years as head coach.
“I thank Todd Tanasichuk and John Lumby for giving me a chance, I'll always be thankful for that.”
Henderson added that while he is leaving St. Paul Football, he feels that the town has a bright future on the gridiron.
“We’ve got a really good, solid group of Grade 9’s. Hopefully they stick with it and continue to play at the Lion level, at the high school level,” he said. “Hopefully the Grade 7’s and Grade 8’s on this team stick with playing football and Bengal bantam football doesn’t die.”
