Ernest Manning wins another provincial football championship

The Ernest Manning Griffins are 5A boys provincial football champions once again after taking care of business this past weekend in Edmonton.

It was a battle of Calgary in the 5A boys provincial high school football championship.

The Ernest Manning Griffins took on the Notre Dame Pride in the title game Saturday night in Edmonton.

Manning dominated.

They beat the Pride 31-0 to win their second Alberta Bowl in three years.

Quarterback Harrison Hyndman threw a pair of touchdown passes, and he says the team put it all together in the big game.

“It’s great,” said the 16-year-old.

“I’m really happy to be able to win with this group of guys. It’s a special group, and we put in a lot of effort in the off-season. ... To be able to have all that hard work come together and have the correct result was great.”

Almost didn’t happen

The teachers’ strike in Alberta almost wiped out the entire high school football season.

Linebacker Cole MacInnis says players feel fortunate they were able to play for the title.

“So appreciative for all the effort that went into this,” said the 17-year-old.

“Whether it’s the athletic directors, the coaches or even the players showing up … it worked. We were getting it off in the off-season, with teams getting together with no coaches and figuring it out. It’s been incredible.”

For many players like running back Andrew Sohn, this was the last game of high school football.

Sohn scored a pair of touchdowns, and he says this victory was sweet.

“It feels great,” said the 17-year-old.

“On the sideline, there was a lot of emotion flowing out. We’ve got a great bunch of Grade 11s coming up to come to the field, and I can trust them and it feels just awesome letting my emotions out.”

Proud of the team

Manning had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get the job done.

Hyndman broke his collarbone and was able to make it back for the playoffs.

And of course, the strike was another setback.

But they found a way and peaked at the right time.

Offensive co-ordinator Mike Klukas says this was a special group.

“I’m so happy for them,” he said.

“I wanted it so bad for them, and I know how much they wanted it. I’ve been around a lot of sports locker rooms … and I think that was one of the happiest locker rooms I’ve ever been a part of. You really saw what it meant to the players, our staff and just our school, and I’m very proud of them.”