Despite some big defensive plays, the Estevan Steelers could not stop the powerful Regina Packers on Sunday in their final home game of the season.
After taking a 38-0 lead into halftime, the Packers were essentially shut down for most of the second half before tacking on two touchdowns in the final minute of the game for a 61-6 victory.
Steelers head coach Preston Majeran said he had no complaints with the way his team played, particularly on a hot afternoon.
"Everybody played their heart out. My kids played in the heat and did a great job. They did what they had to do and they got it done today," Majeran said.
Regina took a 20-0 lead to the second quarter and added to it by returning a fumble recovery and connecting on a 30-yard passing major before half.
The third quarter was perhaps the Steelers' best, beginning with an Evan Stabenow interception following a tip at the line of scrimmage. Stabenow bobbled the ball in mid-air before coming down with it in a circus grab.
Later in the quarter, a booming punt pinned the Packers deep in their own territory and the Steelers held them to a two-and-out to get the ball back on the 25.
That set up a Kaleb Memory run to the five-yard line on the last play of the quarter, but the Steelers turned it over on downs on the one-yard line.
"We just practised a little extra harder this week and it showed. There were a lot of stops there and I was impressed," said Majeran.
Late in the fourth quarter, Estevan quarterback Calder Clark threw an interception at the Packers' six-yard line, only for the Steelers to get it back on the next play on a fumble.
The home side got to the two and Clark then completed a third-down touchdown pass to Noah Kocoy with 1:03 on the clock.
The convert failed after a bad snap.
Majeran said he knew it wouldn't be an easy game.
"They've got a big line and a big group of kids, but our guys played with their hearts and that's all I can ask them to do.
"Their team was just a lot bigger and some of the kids got pushed around."
The Steelers play an exhibition game against Notre Dame tonight at 7 o'clock at the practice field. Their next regular season game is Sunday in Regina against the Mounties.
