Alberta 2023 Provincial Champions –  Can Lightning Strike Twice?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winning a Provincial Championship is the dream of every high school football team, and last season, several teams turned that dream into reality. It was a season full of intense games, unforgettable plays, and hard-earned victories. But now, as the new season approaches, everyone is wondering: Can they do it again?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article, we'll take a look back at last year's champions, exploring how they achieved their success and what made their season so special. We'll also check in on what they've been up to since then, their hopes for the upcoming season, and the challenges they'll need to overcome to defend their title. Will they be able to recapture last year's magic, or will someone else take their place at the top?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ernest Manning Griffins - BRIAN FRYER (Ranked) DIVISION</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ernest Manning High School (EMHS) concluded last season with the school's first-ever Provincial Championship, and it just so happened to be in the Brian Fryer Division, the top division. They went 12-0, winning back-to-back City Championships in Calgary, and were ranked the #2 high school football team in Canada. Moving into the playoffs seeded at #3, the Griffins blew out Bev Facey 36-8 in the quarterfinals, upset the #2-seeded Harry Ainlay 28-10 in the semifinals, and came back from being down 17-6 at halftime to win against the #1-seeded Raymond High School 28-24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a historic season, where does Ernest Manning sit now?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With over 13 athletes graduating and moving on to play at the CJFL or U Sports level, they lost a significant portion of their seniors. With a new team, Ernest Manning aims to go all the way once again to prove that last year was not a fluke.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ernest Manning is set to play the Salisbury Sabres on August 30th at 7:00 pm at Great Chief Park, and it promises to be an exciting game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Salisbury Sabres LARRY WILSON (Regional Based) TIER I</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salisbury Composite High had an incredible provincial run last year, with several nerve-wracking games. They competed in the Larry Wilson Regional-Based Tier I bracket. After defeating Red Deer's Notre Dame Cougars 44-0 to advance to the Tier 1 North Championship, they narrowly secured a victory against the Paul Kane Blues, winning 13-10 and claiming the North Championship. But they weren't done yet!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Tier 1 Alberta Bowl against the Foothills Falcons, Salisbury played a high-scoring and intense game that went into overtime. Overtime didn't last long, as Salisbury quickly scored to win the Tier 1 Alberta Bowl 34-27.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With their sights set on winning back-to-back titles, Salisbury has been preparing nonstop with their coaches and athletes. They're eager to make a statement against Ernest Manning on August 30th, showing everyone that they deserve to be back in the championship this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Austin O'Brien Crusaders Tier II</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Austin O'Brien Crusaders (AOB) won their fourth Provincial Championship last year while being ranked the #6 small school football team in Canada.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was an exciting run for AOB, starting with their first provincial game where they defeated the Cold Lake Royals 49-21, advancing to the North Championship against the Hunting Hills Lightning. Their dominance continued as they held Hunting Hills to only five points, winning the North Championship 23-5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Tier II Alberta Bowl, they faced the Cochrane Cobras, the Alberta Provincial record holders for most appearances and wins across all tiers. It was a tough battle, but the AOB Crusaders managed to hold the Cochrane Cobras' offense to just three points, pulling off a tight 7-3 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The AOB Crusaders themselves are in the Alberta Provincial record books and are eager to continue adding to their legacy as they aim to win their fifth provincial title in school history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Holy Rosary Raiders Tier III</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Holy Rosary Raiders delivered a dominating performance during their Tier III provincial run last season. They steamrolled the Whitecourt Cats 64-0, advancing to the North Championship, where their dominance continued as they shut out the Ardrossan Bisons 36-0. This victory secured their place in the Tier III Alberta Bowl.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Alberta Bowl, they faced the Cardston Cougars, but the Raiders proved to be unstoppable. With a decisive 28-6 victory, they claimed the Tier III title, showcasing their strength on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With such an impressive and commanding season last year, the Holy Rosary Raiders have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in Tier III football. Their relentless drive and consistent performances put them at the top of my list as the team to beat for this year's Tier III Championship. They've set a high standard, and all eyes will be on them as they aim to defend their title and continue their legacy of excellence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking back, it's clear that each of these teams have left their mark on Alberta high school football. From thrilling comebacks to dominant performances, these teams have shown what it takes to reach the top. But as a new season dawns, the question remains: Can they do it again? With new challenges, fresh faces, and the drive to defend their titles, these teams are gearing up to prove that last year's success was no fluke. The stage is set for another unforgettable season, and the race to the championship begins now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->