The Estevan Sherritt Coal Atom Miners wrapped up their season in a 20-6 loss to the Regina Lions in the Estevan Boston Pizza Bowl on September 29.
The teams were tied at 6-6 late in the fourth quarter, but the Lions scored two touchdowns in the final 110 seconds to pull away.
Cameron Jones had the Miners' lone score on a 25-yard quarterback scamper.
Coach Evan Helfrick applauded his team's effort to play more consistent throughout the year.
“Today, they really proved it to me that they can go hard all game,” said Helfrick. “They went every play, even in the end, when we were losing, they went hard, finished the play, and made two really good tackles at the end.”
The defence, in particular, made a lot of improvements this year, he said. They surrendered just one big play in the bowl game.
The Miners will have eight or nine players graduate to the peewee team next year, which means they could have a lot of experienced players in 2013.
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The Estevan Century 21 Peewee Chargers dropped a 77-7 decision to the Regina Unicorns – one of the top teams in the league. Despite the score, coach Steve McLellan said they played well, as the defence came up with some good stops.
On the offensive side of the ball, the blocking was pretty good against strong pressure from the Unicorns' defence. The Chargers' passing game was also pretty good.
Cameron Rioux scored the Chargers' only touchdown on a pass from Andrew Kehler. McLellan said it capped a nice drive.
The Chargers will finish the regular season October 6 at home against the Regina Mustangs. Game time is at 11 a.m.
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The Estevan Lions Club Bantam Steelers lost 38-36 to the Regina Dinos. Coach Phil Zajac said that the Dinos won the game on a Hail Mary pass on the final play of the game.
Colby Dyck, Matt Haux and Levi Pick scored offensive touchdowns, while Patrick Mitchell returned an interception 60 yards for a major.
The offence continued its strong play against the Dinos, Zajac said.
“In the last three games, the offence has scored 143 points, which is impressive at any level,” Zajac said.
Zajac noted that the Steelers had 24 penalties called against them; two of them brought back long touchdown plays. The Dinos were assessed only two penalties. \
The Steelers will finish the regular season October 6 against the Regina Raiders. Game time is at 1 p.m.
