gulllakelions

A heartbreaking end to the season for the Gull Lake Lions, who lost 58-14 to the Lemberg North Valley Eagles in Saturday's Provincial 1A 6-man football final.

The Lions, who were unbeaten all year up to that point, trailed 48-8 in the first half with the game played on a snow-covered field and in wind chills in the -20s.

"They came ready to play, and we were throwing everything we had at them," said Lions coach Neal Boutin. "We just got caught deep a number of times. We probably should have punted a few times where we didn't, but we've been making 3rd-and-3s all year, and we couldn't do it today, and it dug a big hole for us."

Boutin says despite the loss, he was proud of everything the Lions had accomplished this season.

"We had a team that a lot of people didn't expect to be here," he said. "We built our team up throughout the season. We were able to rotate a lot of guys in during the regular season, and we're really proud with the way they played... If we could change one thing, I guess we could change that first half, but really, it was a great season and we're proud of the guys."

In other high school sports, the Swift Current Comprehensive High School Colts volleyball team advanced to 5A boys provincials after winning regionals at home on Saturday, and the Fox Valley Legends also advanced to provincials after winning the 2A girls regional tournament in Leader. The Ardens were eliminated from the provincial race after losing out in 5A girls regionals in Moose Jaw, and the Gull Lake Lady Lions were eliminated after losing two matches at 3A girls regionals in Davidson.

Fox Valley, Ponteix and Frontier advanced to the regional 1A Boys volleyball tournament, which will be in Frontier next weekend, and Leader will also host next weekend's 2A boys' regional tournament, with Leader and Herbert taking part.

Shaunavon and Eastend will host the 4A Boys' Provincial Volleyball Tournament on November 28th and 29th.