The Humboldt Collegiate Mohawks are playoff bound after knocking off the Churchill Chargers 31-14 on their home field on Oct. 20.
“It sounds pretty incredible to me,” admitted head coach Cory Popoff.
“What a story with our season. The growth in our kids is amazing and they came to play today… and they knew that they needed this win badly and good for them, they got it.”
The Mohawks came into the game knowing they needed a win to make the provincial playoffs, as the Mohawks and Chargers came into the contest with identical 2-3 records.
After an early wobble the Mohawks took control of the game, pulling their lead out to 21-7 by the end of the third quarter.
After the Chargers scored on a long drive early in the fourth quarter to cut the Mohawks’ lead to seven, the Mohawks pulled away once again thanks to a long touchdown run courtesy of Dawson Hering and a field goal by Cole Grace.
Popoff gave a lot of credit to his defense for playing outstanding through the contest, noting they knew coming into the game the Chargers like to throw the ball deep to pick up big gains.
“They were able to march down the field once on us because of the run, the second time because of penalties but we didn’t give them too many big plays, which was the plan.”
Seeing the Mohawks play such a solid game in a crucial situation is a sign of their growing confidence, noted Popoff.
“They know they practice hard and they compete hard and for that reason I think that showed today. They were more confident in their play execution, they knew what they had to do. They followed the game plan, it was perfect.”
The win moves the Mohawks on to the provincial quarterfinals, where they will head out on the road to take on the Esterhazy Warriors on Oct. 28.
Popoff admits he is not very familiar with the Warriors, as they have not seen them play yet this year, but says he will be watching film in the lead up to the game.
“It’s still play execution and offensively we’re still struggling at times. We are way better than we were in the first of the year… it’s just keeping our blocks, maintaining our blocks and reading our blitzes. We need to improve on that for sure.”
With the Mohawks having already playing one do-or-die contest this year, Popoff says he expects his team to come into the Warriors showdown with some added momentum.
“I know Esterhazy’s first in their particular league and they will also have a lot of confidence going into this competition but we’re going to have a hard week of practice and we’re going to be ready to compete on (Oct. 28).”
Tower Grand Opening
The Mohawks also hosted a grand opening for their new tower, which sits on the West side of the football field.
The tower, which was put up last season, was necessitated after their last tower was badly beat up in a wind storm.
Popoff credited Shaun Gardiner for securing a couple of key grants, which played a big role in making Gardiner’s dream a reality. The team also raised money through fundraising and their Mohawk cards.
“A lot of volunteer work, a lot of community service brought this project to a helm and we’re so proud of our tower here, it’s just a great example of a community at work together.”
Popoff, says he is so happy to receive such great support from the community.
“It means so much to us and our program. I always say this. Ever since I moved to Humboldt I realize the level of support that our community has for not only our school but our athletic program and we are blessed. There’s just no other way to say it.”
