The league-leading U14 Estevan Oilers are heading into playoff action this weekend, where they will face the fifth-ranked Weyburn Falcons, with the winner advancing to the league final.
The Oilers finished the regular season with a 5-1 record. “This is the first time that this age group has ever experienced this kind of success, so it feels really good, and I can’t imagine how happy the players are about it,” said head coach Christian Pfiefer.
This will be the third meeting between the two teams this season, with both sides having won one game each. The Oilers will be fielding a slightly different team this weekend, having dealt with several injuries throughout the season.
Despite being without their starting quarterback, Pfiefer said the Oilers remain confident heading into the game.
“It’s definitely a hit on the team, that’s for sure,” said Pfiefer. “But we have a very capable backup, Taya Stigings, and I’m fairly certain she is going to be up for the task. She’s going to plug in, and I think she’s going to come away with a big game and surprise a lot of people.”
The game will be one of the few playoff matches hosted in Estevan.
“I think it's just going to be really good to see some playoff football. I mean, it’s going to be a hard game, a tough game, and a lot of fun. The kids are going to really appreciate the support of a big crowd of hometown fans out there. That’s what we’re trying to do—get a huge crowd to cheer everybody on,” Pfiefer said. "The team has faced tough, gritty games against Weyburn this season, and expectations are that this one will be no different."
“They’re very passionate and excited, and I think it’s going to play into how they perform,” said Pfiefer. “The last two times we’ve played Weyburn, it’s been hard-fought, and since this is a winner-take-all, win-or-go-home game, it’ll be no different.”
Pfiefer also noted that he is working to keep the players focused.
“I keep telling the kids at practice it’s business as usual. We can’t treat this as a guaranteed win because there’s no such thing. Weyburn is the only team that’s beaten us this season, and it’s possible they could do it again.”
Still, Pfiefer remains confident in the team’s abilities.
“I’m very confident these kids will show up to play, and we’ll have a really good game against Weyburn.”
Pfiefer also emphasized the importance of community support.
“The biggest thing is we’d love to see the support. It’s huge for the kids to see a big, packed crowd out there and hear the cheers when they come out of the locker room, when a big play is made, or when a score happens. It gets the kids fired up and makes for a fun atmosphere for youth sports.”
The playoff game kicks off at Woodlawn Athletic Field on Saturday at 6 PM. Regardless of the game’s outcome, Pfiefer said the team has already made the community proud.
“Win or lose, it doesn’t really matter. This is a team the community has a lot to be proud of. They’ve fought hard and played tremendous football all year long. It’s been an absolute pleasure to coach, and I can’t say enough good things about every player on this team.”