The Martensville Royals emerged victorious in a hard-fought contest against the Lloydminster Barons on Friday, September 13th, prevailing with a final score of 32-21. Despite a challenging start marked by rainy conditions and turnovers, the Royals displayed resilience and skill to secure the win.
The game began under gloomy skies, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Early turnovers on both sides kept the game scoreless for much of the first quarter. However, as the rain began to ease, the Royals’ defense stepped up significantly. Aidan Low made a pivotal play with a pick-six, giving Martensville a slim 8-7 lead at halftime.
As the second half commenced, the weather cleared and so did the Royals’ offensive strategy. Quarterback Hawkley Dereniwski connected with Cam Kliewer for a 1-yard touchdown pass, extending the Royals’ lead to 15-7. Not to be outdone, Garret Gordon, who also saw action as quarterback, delivered a 32-yard touchdown pass to Low. D’Shawn Lewis successfully added the extra point, pushing the Royals’ advantage to 22-7.
The Royals’ offense continued to shine, with Gordon orchestrating another impressive drive that culminated in a touchdown by Austin Adamus. Lewis contributed further with a 27-yard field goal, bringing the score to 32-7 as the game entered the fourth quarter.
Although the Barons managed to score twice in the final minutes, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Royals’ significant lead. The game concluded with a 32-21 victory for Martensville.
Coach Craig Robertston, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the collective effort of the entire roster. “It was a great team win,” Thompson said. “We were able to get all 65 players in pads come game time, which is a testament to our depth and preparation.”
Looking ahead, the Royals will face the P.A. Carlton Crusaders, who are currently undefeated with a 1-0 record. The upcoming game is set for Friday, September 20th, at 4:00 p.m. at Martensville Field. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Royals as they aim to continue their winning streak and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
