The Okotoks Junior A Raiders have the St. Albert Miners right where they want them.
The Raiders swept both games at the Centennial Arena in Okotoks this weekend to take a two-games to none stranglehold over the Miners in their best-of-five opening round series of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League (RMLL) playoffs.
“We like to say, ‘The odd numbered games are the biggest’ so first game, we went out there and set the tone,” said the Raiders’ Aaron Tackaberry following Okotoks’ 13-7 victory in game one on Saturday night.
Tackaberry was one of the Raiders’ offensive catalysts with a goal that dribbled across the line in the third period.
“You’ve got to take what you can get,” he said. “One of those goals can turn your whole game around.”
Defender Mitch Banister recorded the final two goals for Okotoks, who also limited the Jr. Miners to only one goal in the opening game’s final 20 minutes.
Tackaberry credited his team’s stalwart defensive play for shutting the door in the third period.
“That’s how our defence is meant to be,” he said.
Okotoks coach Bruce Codd agreed with his forward’s assessment of the team’s strong defensive effort.
“There was probably eight or nine possessions where they didn’t even get a shot, the 30 (second-clock) just ran out,” he said.
Nursing a three-goal lead following the second intermission, the Raiders used a combination of efficient offence and a solid strategy to stifle any comeback attempt.
“Once we got a little bit of separation, three or four goals, we were really smart about using the shot clock but also getting off and giving our defence the opportunity,” Codd said.
After a seven-day layoff, the Raiders had a relatively slow start in Game 1 clinging to a one-goal lead in the first intermission.
“We got better as the game went on,” he said. “We went a week between games so I think we knocked a little bit of rust off in the first period.”
After finding their groove in winning Game 1, Okotoks continued the momentum the following day.
The Raiders jumped out to a 5-1 lead after 20 minutes on Sunday, July 17 in Game 2.
While the Miners managed to score four times in the second period, they only managed one strike in the third and fell 12-6.
Holden Cattoni and Travis Comeau had two goals each for Okotoks while Cody McMahon chipped in with three assists.
Although the Raiders have to win only once more to advance, they cautioned against looking past their opponent.
“We’re happy with the win but we know it’s a long way to go yet,” Codd said on Saturday.
“They’re going to be going all guns a-blazing,” Tackaberry agreed.
The Raiders will take to the road for Game 3 of their series on Saturday, July 23 at Servus Place in St. Albert. Game 4 (if necessary) is scheduled for Sunday, July 24, also in St. Albert.
The Raiders will host the Minto Cup – the Junior A national tournament – from Aug. 19 to Aug. 28 at the Centennial Arena. For ticket information go to www.raiderslacrosse.com
