Cougars capture South Zone title

By Lethbridge Herald on November 10, 2025.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Catholic Central Cougars Easton Compton is dragged down by Lachlan Fletcher of the Chinook Coyotes during School Sport Alberta South Zone Final football action at University of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium on Saturday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

For the first time since 2018, the Catholic Central Cougars varsity football team captured the 4A South Zone banner after defeating the Chinook Coyotes 27-23 on Saturday afternoon at University of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium.

“It was a really big win because we haven’t played Chinook in a zone final,” said Joey Cavilla, Cougars head coach.

“Whenever you get a chance to play your rival for a chance to win the banner, that is obviously a bigger game.”

The Cougars found themselves down 10-6 in the zone championship game at halftime.

“The first half was crucial in us winning the field position game but it didn’t really allow us to get touchdowns, so we had to settle for field goals early,” said Cavilla.

“Those field goals paid dividends later on in the game when we got the offence going after some halftime adjustments.”

It was the strong defensive play in the second half that helped Catholic Central.

“The big thing  that turned the tide for us was shorter fields and momentum thanks to the defence,”  said Cavilla.

The Cougars never seemed to let a panic feeling creep into their game.

“This team just doesn’t panic,” said Cavilla.

“We just keep executing, we keep doing what we need to do.”

The  Cougars host the Cochrane Cobras in one School Sport Alberta 4A provincial quarterfinal this  Saturday at 3 p.m. at U of L Community Sports Stadium.

The LCI Rams  battle the Ernest Manning Griffins at  Calgary’s Shouldice Park at 1 p.m. and the Raymond Comets host the St. Francis Browns at 1 p.m. in  School Sport Alberta 5A provincial quarterfinal games this Saturday.

Cardston hosts the Drumheller Titans at noon at Community Sports Stadium in School Sport Alberta 3A quarterfinal action this Saturday.