Steinbach Regional Sabres drop hard-fought WHSFL quarterfinal

The Steinbach Regional Sabres varsity football team’s season came to an end Oct. 24, as the team dropped a 29-20 decision to the Vincent Massey Trojans in Winnipeg.

The Trojans dominated the Sabres to the tune of 40-0 earlier this year in Winnipeg High School Football League play, but the quarterfinal was a different story, despite early turnovers allowing the home side to take a 22-0 lead.

Special teams were key for the Sabres to make it a game. Quarterback Angelo Stoyanov, who had three rushing touchdowns to give the Sabres their points, punted on a third and seven, with receiver Ryan Martin lining up behind the kicker and busting downfield to recover for the visitors.

After converting that play into a touchdown, the Sabres went short on the kickoff, with Martin kicking a ball recovered by Owen Mederois. Star lineman Ryder Wallace got into the game as well, blocking a short Vincent Massey field goal.

The Sabres had one last chance to tie the game, going for a fake punt while down 22-14, but couldn’t get their fourth big special teams play of the game and Vincent Massey nabbed a late score to put the game out of reach in the final three minutes.

Wade Anderson finished up his rushing season carrying 18 times for 141 yards in the loss.

The game had to be halted in the second half after a Trojans player was seriously injured.

In the AAAA tier 2 playoffs, Springfield advanced with a 38-6 win over Murdoch MacKay. The team will take on West Kildonan at Princess Auto Stadium Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

St Paul’s, Dakota and Oak Park join Vincent Massey as semi-finalists. Those games take place at Princess Auto Stadium Oct. 31.