Neepawa Tigers ready for RMFL final

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By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

The Neepawa Tigers’ ground game combined with an impressive defensive effort has powered the team to a victory in the Rural Manitoba Football League playoffs.

Brenden Cowan rushed for 260 yards on 12 carries, including a pair of touchdown runs, as NACI defeated the Moosomin Generals 24-8. Cody Pasowisty and Brady Unger also contributed on the ground, rushing for 34 and 25 yards respectively. As well, Pasowisty added a two-yard rushing TD.

While the passing game for Neepawa was not as impressive as its rushing attack, it still played an important role in the final outcome. Cowen was 6 for 18 in the air for 103 yards, while the leading receiver was Brady Plett, who snagged a pair of catches for a combined 47 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers were able to stifle the Generals efforts, combining for three interceptions and a sack. Dillan Neufeld garnered six tackles, while Brett Jonasson accumulated four tackles and a sack. Scott Dowd also had a big game with a pair of interceptions. Linden Baker registered the third pick. 

Head coach Dave Clark said he was very pleased with the effort, as the team played a solid game from the opening kick-off to the final whistle. “That was our focus going into Saturday’s game. We really wanted to make some adjustments on the defence and they really came through for us. They put the pressure on [Moosomin] and that created opportunities,” said Clark.

With the win, the Tigers move on to the Doug Steeves Cup, where they’ll face the 7-1 Swan River Tigers. The two teams split the regular season games, with Swan River winning on Sept. 15 but Neepawa returning the favour on Oct. 3. Clark said this is going to be a difficult challenge.

“When they [Swan River] came down here earlier in the season, they were able to beat us on our home field. Obviously, we had to make a few adjustments before our next game against them in Swan River and I think we kind of caught them off guard a little bit,” said Clark. “I’m sure, they’ve been watching game tape on us. They’re going to make some adjustments accordingly and we’re going to do the same thing. I fully expect our team to see a few different formations, a few different plays from Swan River that we haven’t seen. Hopefully, we will be prepared to take on that challenge.

The final is set for Saturday Nov. 1 in Swan River, starting at 1:00 p.m.