The Strathmore High School Spartans Football Team (4-3) ended their regular season with an emphatic 30-6 win over the Canmore Wolverines, which also extended their win streak to three as they prepare for the playoffs.

At the start of the season, it looked like the Spartans were headed for a long season, as they lost three in a row to drop them to 1-3 on the year. However, rather than hang their heads they kept on working to improve, and have since won the last three. Head Coach Danny Warrack credits the midseason turnaround to hard work and added the young team had to take some bumps before they hit their stride.

"This year we played some really good competition early. Took some lickings and the team had to lose a few games before they learned how to win. And we have had a couple of tight games where we've won. It's going to make us better come playoffs and in future years," he said.

spartansPhoto Courtesy: Crystal Johansen

The storyline of this season has been a stout defense carrying the team while the offense struggled to find its footing. The offense was able to flip the narrative in their last regular season game though, as quarterback Dylan Elliot set a team record with 345 passing yards on 19/31 throws, along with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Warrack was impressed with his QB's efforts, especially when he threw 31 attempts, which is a lot for high school.

"He threw for a lot of yards and when he was on, he was on. He did a good job of distributing the ball and getting it into the hands of his playmakers, he had a few moments where he'd try to force some passes that resulted in a couple of turnovers. But all in all, he did a good job."

Ironically, the former QB Brady Johansen was the top target of the game, with 158 receiving yards. Other receivers CJ Nelson and Bode Pettifer caught both of Elliot's TD passes, and Jacob Robson got the run game going with two touchdowns of his own and 150 yards.

"He (Robson) did a good job, probably his best game as a Spartan."

spartansPhoto Courtesy: Crystal Johansen

Early on, it looked like the offense could be in for another rough outing, as one of their offensive linemen was out sick, and another got injured in the second quarter. However, young backups Dade Schnick and Ethan Harper stepped up when called upon and kept the team going.

Scoring 30 points is definitely impressive, but what may be even better is the defense nearly shutting out the Wolverines, as they only allowed 6 points.

"They were solid against the run, the pass rush was phenomenal between Brady Johansen and Hunter Corbin, and they put a lot of pressure on the opposing team. Penalties kind of cost us the six points. It was a drive of maybe not so much them moving the ball, but getting their penalties on us. They got some yardage off of us and ended up scoring one."

Johansen, alongside his offensive efforts, also recorded 6 tackles on defense and a sack, while Aidan Harker matched Johansen with 6 tackles of his own.

With the regular season wrapped up, the Spartans' attention now shifts to the playoffs, with their first game on November 12. Their opponent is currently unknown. Before that, they'll have a junior varsity game in Okotoks on October 27.

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