WESTLOCK – The Westlock Thunderbirds season came to a close at their AGM and Awards event on Nov. 29 after winning 4-0 in regular season games and playing against an equally skilled team for the finals in 3A.
“That’s certainly the first time the team has ended the season with a 4-0 record in our 18-year history,” said coach Jared DeJong.
“To be able to finish to be able to finish undefeated 4 and 0 at the Friday Night Lights game with all that glamour was probably the highlight of the year.”
The Friday Night Lights game in October with 500 people in attendance.
The game itself showed the talent and strengths of the Westlock Thunderbirds on the field, and the crowd showed their appreciation throughout the game.
That game was to determine which team would go on the Tier 2 games.
The Thunderbird’s performance led to the final game against Rocky Mountain House.
The field conditions were wet and sloppy, with snow falling throughout the game.
“It was a gritty game,” said DeJong, who said he felt the team didn’t start well, spending time catching up after getting behind by two touchdowns.
Both teams were matched in skills and abilities according to DeJong and it was a tough game with the Thunderbirds losing by 4 points.
“Looking back at the rest of the season the team really didn't it didn't show what the team was capable of in that last game compared to the rest of the season,” said DeJong.
“We hope that they (the players) don't lose tracker lose sight of all the good things we did this year.”
There were 25 players on the Westlock Thunderbird Team this year with 10 of them moving on a the end of the season.
For those who won’t continue to play next year they are graduating from school.
That indicates that next year’s team will be a new mix of players.
Coach DeJong explained that the team is accommodating to players who are involved in other sports and commitments, stating that they work to support players in all of their interests.
“I do hope that we can contact some other schools and just give them some information to interest them in playing football next year,” said DeJong.
