A couple of local high school football teams are looking to become city champions this weekend.
On Saturday (Nov. 5), both the undefeated Sturgeon Spirits, and defending Carr division champions. Salisbury Sabres will be playing in their respective city finals at Commonwealth Stadium.
Sturgeon Spirits vs. St. Albert Skyhawks
The Spirits are looking for a shot at redemption in the Gilfillan division as they lost in last year's final to Lillian Osbourne. They exacted revenge against Lillian Osbourne last week in the semi-finals and will now line up against a motivated St. Albert Skyhawks squad in this weekend's final.
Sturgeon defeated St. Albert 10-0 in their only regular season game this season.
Spirits head coach, Chad Smith, is expecting a hard-fought game.
"[St. Albert] is the one team that put up the best fight against us [this season]," said Hill. "It's their coaches last season, so I'm sure those players will be playing hard wanting [their coach] to go out with a championship."
Hill acknowledges that recent cold and snowy weather has made things a bit more difficult for his team, but his team embraces the adversity.
"It's tough practicing on a snowy field in minus conditions but that's part of the beauty and mystique of playing football in Canada," said Hill. "I always say the only thing worse than practicing football in Canada in November is not practicing football in Canada in November."
Kick-off for the Spirits vs. Skyhawks final is set for 12:30 on Saturday.
Salisbury Sabres vs. Harry Ainlay Titans
The Sabres are looking for a repeat of last year's Carr division final.
In 2021, the Sabres were able to defeat the Harry Ainlay Titans in a tight matchup. This year will see a rematch of that final, with the Titans itching to get some revenge.
In their only regular season matchup this season, the Titans came out with a 26-17 victory, the only loss the Sabres had suffered all season.
Sabres head coach, Cam Fraser, says he's seen this story before.
"The last six times we've played the [final] score has been less than a touchdown between us," said Fraser. "We were able to beat [Harry Ainlay] last year in the city final under very similar circumstances where they had beaten us in the regular season, and we turned around and beat them in the final."
"We know we are going to be in for a tough game on Saturday and we're looking forward to competing with such a good football program."
A few factors will make preparing difficult, but Fraser says they are trying their best.
"Getting ready for the conditions is the big thing," said Fraser. "Making sure we are nice and healthy with the cold and flu season that is going through everybody and a long season with injuries...we'll see if we can get as many kids as we can healthy for the game and put our best foot forward."
Kick-off for the Carr division city final is set for 5:30 on Saturday.