Cyclones’ Hard Work And Emotion Dominates In Provincial Final
Powered by a parent group who spent four hours removing the snow from Gutheridge Field the Central Cyclones defeated the Regina’s FW Johnson Wildcats Wildcats 51 - 8 to capture the provincial 5A 12-A-Side title.
The Cyclones’ victory was a combination of a strong defence that put major pressure on Wildcats’ quarterback Nathan Denyan forcing mistakes and turnovers.
The Cyclones added in an offence that could score whether it be in the air or on the ground.
Special teams wise the Cyclones had used film and analysis to turn kicking from a desperation move to a weapon.
Years of hard work and preparation came together for the Central Cyclones.
Players on the Central Cyclones bench - MJ Independent photo
For defensive back and grade 12 student Daniel Cowan the provincial title was like summiting in the Alps following four years of hard work.
“It’s an unreal feeling considering we’ve gone from not making it to city’s in grade nine and just working our way up to the top is an unreal feeling. Being at the top in the province,” Cowan said. He would struggle finding the words at times in what was a very emotional atmosphere around him.
“We worked so hard for this moment every year from grade nine up until we are seniors,” he said.
“It’s just an unreal feeling being at the top finally and all of the hard work we have done.”
Cowan said the hard work and dedication over the years has paid off.
“It just feels like everything has paid off. All of the practice and off season training has paid off for this moment and goal as a team.”
“It’s just an amazing feeling,” Cowan said.
Central Cyclones linebacker Seth Leys (right) breaks up a play - MJ Independent photo
Grade 9 student and defensive back Lucas Lind is a first year member of the Cyclones and he scored a touchdown on a turnover.
“It was a great day today and we prepared all week,” Lund said about the work the team put into the game.
He gave props to Johnson for coming out but the Cyclones were a way better team in the game.
Asked what he thought of being in the final mint as he is just in grade 9 he said it was “crazy”.
“Last year if you told me was going to be in his final I wouldn’t believe you right now,” he said, adding “it’s just crazy to be here right now.”
“Football has great coaches. Great atmosphere and this is a great team I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
His run back for a touchdown was a great play for the ball by linebacker Seth Leys with Lind picking up the loose ball.
“I got on the horses. Yeah, I outran them.”
About the lopsided score it’s something that he didn’t think would happen.
“Johnson is a good team. I don’t think they played through their ability. We played our game today and we came out on top.”
The Central Cyclones’ offensive line - MJ Independent photo
Central Cyclones head coach Colin Belsher attributed the game results to dedication and hard work.
“Validation. It’s amazing to see when hard work pays off. That’s the best part of it this. The amount of time these boys put in all year long,” Belsher said, adding “the grade 12s have being doing it for years.
Belsher said was elated with the provincial victory especially considering his two sons - Hudson and Keaton - are on the team.
“To be able to have this experience with my own children it’s.very cool. To ba anble to have this experience with kids that I’ve been coaching since they first put on a helmet and being able to watch them grow to a point of grade 12 and finishing on top is surreal. It’s amazing,” he said.
Central Cyclones running back Reid Weiss tries to go between two Wildcats defenderss - MJ Independent photo
Coach Belsher said it’s a process from a rookie to a graduate.
“Kids come in and said delayed gratification. They come in is grade 9s usually and they are small kids. They’ve got to learn the ropes and put work into their body. If they stick with it really do you see a player not being an important part of a team.”
“If you continue to work hard good things will happen,” he said.
Asked about the importance of the game tapes he received from the Wildcats Belsher said it was part of the academics.
We then asked did the practice we witnessed this past Tuesday where the ball was kicked to the right and fake punts were practiced matched the game play Belsher said the game tapes were used for the strategy.
“We did and we were trying to kick away from a specific player,” he said.
Cyclones head coach Colin Belsher talks to players on the bench - MJ Independent photo
“That’s what football is. It’s a chess match between coaches.”
When I came to the chest match being played on the field on Saturday it’s something that Belsher did not expect to happen.
He did not forsee such a lopsided score happening.
“No. Hats off to Johnson. Obviously, being sick on the brace is huge and they’ve got a good coaching staff over there. Their quarterback took a licking today and he kept popping up. He’s a tough kid there,” he said.
Central Cyclones linebacker Draven Smith (left) and offensive lineman Rykker Campbell on the bench - MJ Independent photo
Coach Belsher said without the parents stepping in to help out the victory may not have happened. The white stuff was cleared from the field.
“It would’ve been possible if the parents of our team has not stepped up….Mr Hushie and our parent group came out and shovelled and snow blowed it. To get this thing prepared for the kids to have this moment,” Belsher said.
“They worked their butts off. The field is as good as you’re going to get for a winter game,” he said.
He called it all part of the special season when it came to the field and also the players who have gone from grade 9 to grade 12, and they are now provincial champions.
Coach Belsher also wanted to thank his wife for “being amazing.”
“She looks after the family when I’m looking at film and being busy with the kids.”
He said winning the provincial championship was just as important to her as it was to him.
He also wanted to thank the largest crowd of the season, who came out in the cold to watch the Cyclones.
