Hawks win News Cup as the region’s best bantam football team

By Ryan McCracken on October 5, 2018.

NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
Medicine Hat Hawks back Madox Zadko breaks a tackle during the first half of the Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 Rangeland Bantam Football game against the Medicine Hat Colts at the Methanex Bowl.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken

The Medicine Hat Hawks cruised to the News Cup on Thursday night at the Methanex Bowl.

The Hawks assumed control of the gridiron early and took over a commanding 34-0 lead at halftime before holding off a spirited comeback attempt to lock up a 55-29 city championship victory over the Medicine Hat Colts.

“It was good,” said Hawks coach Scott Howes. “I think we have a lot of speed this year, which helps. We’re fairly deep this year, which is good.”

The Hawks took over a commanding early lead on two touchdowns from Tessema Veurink and individuals from Aayden Callan, Aaron Kruger and Madox Zadko.

With plenty of breathing room at the break, the Hawks opted to cycle in some of their second-string players and the Colts quickly took advantage.

Brady Ulmer broke free for back-to-back 40-yard touchdown runs to put the Colts on the board and narrow the gap to 20, but the Hawks regained their composure and answered back with an 85-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Kruger.

“I think it was a good way to play the second half. They played their subs, we played our subs and it was just a chance for what we get to see for next year more than anything,” said Howes. “It’s good because they don’t get a lot of playing time sometimes so it gives them an opportunity to see what actual play is.”

Ben Van Der Sloot responded for the Colts with a 48-yard touchdown run a few minutes later to keep things interesting — but again Kruger quickly hit back for the Hawks, this time with a long kickoff return for a touchdown.

Ulmer added another touchdown for the Colts early in the fourth quarter before converting for two, but his three second-half touchdowns weren’t enough to make up the early deficit.

“He runs hard every time. He’s the kind of guy who can make plays and break ones,” Colts coach Chris Perret said of Ulmer. “The guys came out and played hard. Football is a fun game and the guys came out and had fun.”

Kai Noon rounded out the score with a 70-yard touchdown run in the final minute of the game.

The Colts return to Methanex Bowl next Thursday to host Maple Creek. The Hawks are back at the Methanex Bowl Oct. 18 against Brooks.