Hawks cruise to playoff win

A big reason Hat High’s Mohawks football team has won five straight conference titles in a row is the players coming to them from the younger ranks are ready for the next level.

Medicine Hat’s Hawks bantam team are off to their own conference final after destroying the St. Mary’s Colts 64-0 Saturday at the Methanex Bowl.

Aaron Kruger had three touchdowns to lead the way, including one which head coach Scott Howes described as a 129-yard kickoff return to start the second half. That means he took the ball at the back of the end zone and went the distance.

Kruger’s other two major scores came on receptions from Brody Fink, who went 5-of-8 for 186 yards. Fink also connected with Kai Noon for a 52-yard TD through the air.

On the ground, Fink (20 yards), Devin Marshall (56 yards) and Tyler Halladay (35 yards) found the end zone.

Defence and special teams also contributed to the scoring. Linebacker Dylan Callan returned an interception 42 yards to paydirt in addition to making 10 tackles. Raymond Ngo had a punt return touchdown. And Aayden Callan was a perfect 9-for-9 on convert kicks, plus booted a rouge.

The Hawks play Brooks at noon Saturday at the Methanex Bowl for the local championship. The winner would head to Calgary for a provincial semifinal and could eventually host the provincial final if they got that far.