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Four Airdrie football stars helped Team Alberta capture gold at the U18 Football Canada Cup in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
They beat Team Ontario in the final 37-34 in overtime.
The Airdronians that competed in the event include:
- Matias Piza - Punter/Kicker
- Logan Quiring - Defensive line
- Colton Jackson-McConnell - Linebacker
- Ryder Frampton - Defensive back
Tyrell Rohl, who has coached the athletes here in Airdrie, is proud of how they all performed.
"They've shown what hard work and heart can achieve, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for each of them."
Jackson also won the defensive player of the game in the gold medal match.
"These four all started right here in our community programs. When they were just kids learning the basics and having fun. They didn't become champions overnight. They had to work hard. They stayed dedicated, and they believed in themselves."
Here is what Football Alberta had to say about the big win.
"It took 18 years, but Team Alberta has finally won another Football Canada Cup to go with their previous wins in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2007. The Football Canada Cup is a Provincial Team National Championship for players at the U18 level, and this year was held in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Alberta had won a nailbiter over Quebec in the Semi-Final on Thursday that had seen them trailing 27-11 going into the 4th Quarter, only to tie it up with 1:20 left, then win it on a 65-yard punt return TD from Aaron Oboh from Notre Dame H.S in Calgary with 14 seconds left.
The gold medal game on Sunday turned out to be a similar affair as Alberta trailed Ontario 21-0 early in the game, then rallied in the second half but still trailed 31-21 with just over 2 minutes left. A 34-yard field goal by Matias Pisa from George McDougall H.S. in Airdrie with 2:09 left on the clock, followed by a thrilling 5-yard TD run from Joel Thorpe from Harry Ainlay H.S. in Edmonton with 4 seconds left, tied the game. In overtime, Ontario had the ball first and managed an impressive 47-yard FG to take the lead. When Alberta got the ball for their turn, it was all Thorpe as the Harry Ainlay product carried the ball four straight times to paydirt, securing a 37-34 win."
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