The season may be over for the Calgary Colts junior football team, but some Cochrane players remain in the running for provincial and national championships.

Already, Bow Valley Bobcats alumni left guard Leighten Boynton has a championship ring from the St. Clair Saints in the Ontario conference. The Saints are now gearing up for a national semifinal game against the Saskatoon Hilltops on Oct. 29 in Saskatoon.

The Saints raised the Teddy Morris Memorial Trophy on Oct. 21 after successfully defending their title against the London Beefeaters in a 32-31 nailbiter.

Boynton says they are spending the week reviewing film on the Hilltops, a team they don't see in the regular season.

They'll have to quickly adjust to a drop in temperature when they arrive in Saskatoon. In St.Clair, the temperature is hovering around the 20-degree mark. A high of zero is forecasted for Sunday's game.

The 6'3", 320 lb. O-lineman has confidence in his team.

"We have a great team, a lot of athletic guys and we're a very versatile squad. We're not only running or passing, so we can do a lot to combat, whatever they bring up against us."

At 17, Boynton is a rookie with the junior club and has the opportunity to play with the Saints club for several years. He quickly made the adjustment to the faster junior game and has found a home with the Saints. 

"Everyone out here is super nice. The coaches are super supportive with anything, especially coming all the way out here. They know how hard it can be to adjust to being so far away. It's just been really good."

LeightenLeighten Boynton is in his rookie year with the St. Clair Saints. (photo submitted)

He counts the championship win against the Beefeaters as the biggest highlight of the season so far.

"What made it special was how our defence held up for us. They were solid all year, and having them help us win was huge. We wanted to win by more, but it showed that we can battle through tough games that aren't always complete blowouts."

The Saints dominated the Ontario conference this season, going undefeated with many lopsided victories. They've been a powerhouse for the better part of a decade and look poised to keep it that way.

In B.C., Cobra alumni quarterback Ethan Pickard, receiver Ty Metcalfe, and runningback Shane Clazie are all members of the Westshore Rebels, also one of the top-ranked junior teams in the country. On Oct. 28, they host the Okanagan Sun in search of defending their Cullen Cup title.

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