CHESTERMERE – The Atom Chiefs were scheduled to have a game on Nov. 4, but after a cancellation from the Okotoks Eagles, the team wrapped up their season early on Oct. 30.
The squad faced off against the Calgary Hilltoppers, and dominated their opponents throughout the matchup to win 7-1.
The defense came up strong, not allowing the Hilltoppers to get a single yard in their first two possessions with the ball. The Chiefs ended up changing their defensive scheme to allow the other team a chance to move the ball. The defense worked as a solid unit, tackling by committee.
The offense started fast and never let up all game. On the Chief’s first play, they moved the ball down to the five yard line and scored on the very next play. It was all downhill to follow, as auarterback Tanner Bean ran for two touchdowns, as well as passed for two touchdowns. Dylan Munro also ran for a long 45 yard score, and Angelina Palardy had four touchdowns to bring her season total to 24.
The Atom Chiefs final record for the season was 5-3.
“We lost some close games at the start of the year when we were still coming together,” said coach Clinton Bean. “All in all it was a great season, we had a great group of coaches and a great group of kids.
“We would like to thank all the parents for their support this year – it is a short season but a very busy one – and we look forward to next year and building on the success we had this year.”
About one third of the Atom team will be moving up to Pee Wee, so they team will be looking for more younger players to fill the gaps come next season.
The Pee Wee Chiefs played in the city semi-final against the Airdrie Storm last Tuesday night. This was the first playoff game for a Chiefs team in a number of years.
Coach Kelsey Johnson said that the team hit the field with same tenacity they have all year, and never let up. The defense held strong, and the offense moved the ball, but continued to be hampered by turnovers.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs could only come up with one touchdown, while the Storm were able to get outside on the defense three times. The Chiefs ended up succumbing 24 – 6.
“This was the end of the most successful Chief season in many years, a regular season record of five wins and three losses has not been seen in Chief country for many years,” Johnson said. “With half of the Pee Wee team returning next year, the foundation has been set for another great season in 2012.”
He said that the Chiefs worked hard all season, practicing four nights a week since Aug 2.
“We look forward to many more years of success,” Johnson said. “The dedication shown by the parents, players, and coaches was instrumental in getting this program back on its feet.
“None of this could have been possible without the help of the Cat Rental store who provided a portable light tower to the club, and to Brian Utley and Chestermere High Athletics, for letting the Chiefs have their final three practices on the newly lit high school field.”
Johnson said that the Pee Wee’s will have the addition of eight strong Atom players next year, and with new players not yet identified, the Chief brand can “only become more prominent on the Calgary Football scene.”
“We’ll be back next year in a big way,” he said.
For more information about the Chestermere Chiefs football program, e-mail mailto:chiefsfootball@shaw.ca.
