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Drillers pick up crucial victory

Symon Pfau, of the Grande Prairie Drillers, finds an opening to run the ball up field against the Airdrie Irish, in Alberta Football League play on Saturday at Legion Field. The Drillers won 16-10. Logan Clow/Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune/Postmedia Network

Symon Pfau, of the Grande Prairie Drillers, finds an opening to run the ball up field against the Airdrie Irish, in Alberta Football League play on Saturday at Legion Field. The Drillers won 16-10. Logan Clow/Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune/Postmedia Network

Logan Clow – Daily Herald Tribune – Sunday, July 17, 2016

The Grande Prairie Drillers picked up a crucial victory at Legion Field Saturday with a 16-10 victory over the Airdrie Irish.

The Drillers, a senior men’s football team, need to win one of their two remaining regular season games to solidify an Alberta Football League post-season berth, which begins next month.

James Kostuk, Drillers defensive coordinator, said it was much needed response from the team after losing 50-3 in St. Albert a week prior.

“We had a couple different offences we used in (Saturday’s) game and that really kept (the Irish’s) defence on their toes; they didn’t really know which way we were coming from, so it was nice having some variations,” said Kostuk.

“I think the key takeaway last week (against St. Albert) was effort and (on Saturday) everybody showed a lot more and put a lot more effort into every play and you could see it right to the whistle. There was a lot more blocking right through until we had success.”

The Drillers, back at the .500 mark with a 3-3 record, host the Calgary Gators – one of the league’s top teams – on July 23 at Legion Field. The team then close out the regular season with a road game against the Calgary Wolfpack Aug. 6.

Kostuk said it’s important the team build on Saturday’s win headed into their final two games.

“(Keeping the momentum going) all starts at practice. Last week (while preparing for Airdrie) we practiced the fundamentals on hitting and really getting our intensity levels back up. I think we just carry that through with the victory and keep that intensity going throughout this week (which will) prepare us for heading into the final two games,” added Kostuk.