Bantam Comets top Airdrie Raiders to win provincial football title

Posted on November 21, 2024 by admin

By Garrett Simmons
Westwind Weekly News

Raymond’s bantam football team brought home the seventh provincial title in program history with a dominant win over the Airdrie Raiders.

The Comets took a 29-6 win in the Tier 1 final, thanks to touchdowns from Cache Beazer, Thomas Walburger and Khyrum Boehme.

Jimmy Ralph’s team turned in a solid performance on both sides of the ball, as Raymond completed its season on a high note.

The coach added the Comets stuck to its strategy right from the opening kickoff, and it paid dividends.

“The Airdrie defence was very big and had a big D line, so our game plan was to use our speed and get out on the outside,” he said. “This worked well and allowed some of our speed to score some big touchdowns. The blocking from both our line and receivers was very impressive to get the win.”

Once again, Raymond held another high-scoring offence in check, as Airdrie was limited to six points in the championship.

“Our defence was stellar all year,” said Ralph. “We only allowed a few touchdowns the whole season, including the playoffs. We knew if we scored a few touchdowns, we could get the win because of constant defence.”

Thomas Walburger and Emmett Coppieters were the main captains of a defence that was in a league of its own this season in the province.

Now, with title No. 7 in the bag, all won since 1993, Raymond sits second all time to the Sherwood Park Rams, as that program has amassed 10 titles.

“Every year we know we are in the consideration of being a top team but we know from history that it is difficult to get out of SAMFA and then compete with the top teams in the city that have a size advantage on us,” said Ralph. “We have to rely on our speed and will to win to fight hard and win those playoff games.”

For the coaching staff, early indications showed the 2024 team had an opportunity to be special.

“It was very clear from the beginning of this season that this group wanted to make it all the way,” said Ralph. “The way they practised and focused on the details showed they were willing to do anything to complete the task. This group was a group of leaders that wanted to do it the right way. We played clean football all season long and celebrated our successes together. It was a standup group that I will miss coaching.”

And while there are big expectations every year in Raymond, Ralph added each season is unique.

“Each year, we always look for good players as they move on to high school,” he said. “The upcoming kids always surprise us with growth spurts. Next year, we will have some younger kids taking on bigger roles but I know the kids will prepare themselves and be ready when called upon. I am excited to see who steps up and takes on those roles next year, and I am sure we will be ready to take on the challenge again next year.”

For 2024, Ralph was joined on the coaching staff by Bryce Coppieters, Cole Nelson, Wes Chamberlain, Matt Evans, Greyson Smith and Mike Schneider.