You had to be at the Canada West Semi-Final to truly understand what it meant to the City of Edmonton. The Green and Gold of Canada West USports hosted the Green and White to claim a rare post-season victory at Foote Field.
The University of Alberta Golden Bears beat down the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in a one-sided affair to punch their ticket to the Hardy Cup Final in front of a half-full, yet rowdy stadium. U of A has waited 18 years to host a Playoff Game, so you knew the crowd in attendance was going to be loud. Supporters of both teams showed up with their colours on their backs and blankets in hand, the wind being a factor in the historical game.
The Tailgate Party was a welcome sight in our first visit to Foote Field as fans, hosted by Terry Korte and other Golden Bears Alumni. We enjoyed beverages, a burger and even some Thai food on a chilly, windy November Game Day. Once we wrapped up at the Tailgate, we proceeded to the gates to witness the return of Playoff Football in Edmonton.
The monumental game would open up with an Alberta field goal, stoking the fire in Alberta's supporters. Not long after, Saskatchewan went to work and finished a successful drive of their own with a touchdown, giving them the lead at 7-3 with the PAT. The lead wouldn't last for long though, because Alberta QB Eli Hetlinger started to get comfortable inside and outside of the pocket, striking a ball into the endzone for touchdown, courtesy of a catch by Colby Hurford. After a PAT and a massive Rouge punt by Jonathan Guistini, the defense stood tall and managed to stop Saskatchewan, effectively giving Alberta another chance to score. Hetlinger then tossed a long pass to Carter Kettyle to push ahead further. On Alberta's next drive, Jonathan Rosery found a running lane that finished in the endzone, pushing the lead to a lopsided one. The half would end with a 34-10 lead for Alberta, with one last touchdown off of an interception and a successful drive to follow.
After warming up in cars or waiting for hot chocolate in the brisk autumn wind, fans sat down to watch the clock wind down. Alberta's defense stood tall for the remainder of the game, only allowing one more touchdown. Needing what seemed like an infinite amount of touchdowns in the fourth quarter, Saskatchewan managed to stop the bleeding early but failed in finding the endzone after that, instead throwing multiple interceptions in the redzone. The Golden Bears sensed the desperation and exploited it, routing the Saskatchewan Huskies 40-17 to move forward in the Hardy Cup Playoffs.
EE Players and Alumni, Golden Bears Alumni, Edmonton Sports Media greats and fans enjoyed the return of Playoff Football to Foote Field. The rich history of the University of Alberta hasn't had many entries or updates as of late, so being able to witness a new chapter and the return of success to a storied University Football program is an event that this city has craved. If you haven't been to a U of A game yet, you're missing out on an exciting product. We just witnessed some of the most entertaining football that we've seen all year and despite the elements freezing our toes, we wouldn't have it any other way. Next stop: The Hardy Cup.