Peewee Jamboree reveals strengths and weaknesses of new Mustangs

Lisa Liscombe, Contributor, 
and Josh Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Peewee Jamboree participants: Taber (black and red),
Claresholm (black and grey), Pincher Creek (blue)
J. Davis photo

The Pincher Creek Pee Wee Mustangs took to the Matthew Halton field for the 2nd annual Pee Wee Jamboree, featuring our local boys, the Taber Rebels, and the Claresholm Raiders. This was a developmental event that focused on football basics from both sides of the ball. The three teams played two 45 minute games each, with each coach allowed 10 plays to score. Due to the late arrival of the Claresholm Raiders, the original schedule was altered, with Pincher Creek playing the first game, and given a welcome break between games 1 and 3.

Pincher Creek Peewee Mustangs vs Taber Rebels
J. Davis photo

The Mustangs persevered valiantly in their first game, against Taber. The first play of the game featured a long run by slotback Jordan Hochstein, who unfortunately was injured on the play.

The hard work of their strong defensive line up made for a reasonably close game, but in the end their efforts were not enough. Early in the game Taber achieved their sole touchdown, and devoted the rest of their efforts to keeping their lead, shutting down the Mustangs offensives to ultimately win the game.

Taber Peewee Rebels vs Claresholm Raiders
J. Davis photo

The evenly matched Taber and Claresholm teams played to a draw in the second game of the Jamboree.

In the third game the Mustangs faced the Claresholm Raiders.   Being heavily outnumbered and outsized by the Raiders clearly took its toll on the Peewee Mustangs.  They seemed tired and disheartened at first, and let a lot more plays slip by them than they had against Taber.  Despite their stamina reserves running low, the Mustangs continued to fight hard to match their opponents, and came close to getting their first touchdown of the season during this game.  The Raiders went home with a big win under their belts.

Pincher Creek Peewee Mustangs vs Claresholm Raiders
C. Davis photo

Richie LaGrandeur did a fine job of replacing the injured Hochstein, and had many hard-nosed runs for the day.  Right slotback Taite Jessen ran a number of counters for big gains. The front line of Gus Halibert, Jarred Plante, Jesse Saulnier, Caleb Jones and Tim Jorgensen provided the blocking needed to execute the plays. Tristan Liscombe delivered the ball steadily at quarterback and receivers Mikey Lagrandeur and Mathew Bruder kept defences guessing.

On defence, Linebackers Josh and James Fichtner along with Lewis Anderson and Trent Metcalfe controlled the sweeps, while TJ Metcalfe and Hunter "The Machine" Austring stuffed the runs up the middle. Even though the boys were outsized at every position they still hung in and each player took great pride in having done the job they were responsible for.

Pincher Creek Peewee Mustangs vs Claresholm Raiders
C. Davis photo

“Right now we are in a rebuilding year. We only have 4 twelve-year-olds,”  said Mustang coach Dr. Travis Liscombe.  “Most teams, with their starting line-ups, have 12 twelve-year-olds and up.  The kids, fundamentally, played very well, but they were outsized significantly, sometimes double the weight.”  Only 6 of this year's Peewee Mustangs have played football before on organized teams.

Looking for more players

The Mustangs are still looking for more players, as their lack of subs definitely weighed on the inexperienced team. “It would help if they would be twelve and big,” said coach Liscombe with a laugh. Those who are interested can contact Pincher Creek Football Boosters Association President Faith Zachar at 403-627-7751, or coach Liscombe at 403-627-2244 or 403-627-8768.