The Cochrane Lions bantam football team came within two points of a successful comeback against the Calgary Mavericks in Division 2 semifinal play of the Calgary Bantam Football league, Oct. 27

The Lions staged a fourth-quarter comeback that saw them close the gap to 32-30 before the final whistle blew.

Luke Zimmerman, who came in after starting tailback Shaun Clazie went down in the first set of the game, plowed through the Mavericks defense in about a 30-yard push into the end zone midway through the fourth quarter. A turnover generated by the Lions defense lead to the second touchdown.

The Lions had a relief kicker warming up on the sideline in case they got one last crack on offense but the Mavericks controlled the ball with a succession of running plays to burn off the clock.

Lions Head Coach Paul Vaillancourt says they were expecting a tight game against the Mavericks. In their regular season match, the Mavericks won 62-56 on the final play of the game.

He’s proud of how the team generated one of the best offenses of the league this season. He was also impressed by their second-half comeback effort in Saturday’s game.

“We were one of the smallest and youngest teams in the league this year, so to tie for fourth and play in the Division 2 playoffs was fantastic,” says Vaillancourt.

“I’m very proud. It shows how when coaching staff and players come together you can play above your skills sets and I think that’s what happened this season.”

It was a special, emotional game for long-time bantam head coach Paul Vaillancourt, who likely will be stepping down. He seemed personally torn over the idea of leaving the team.

“We’ll see. I told my wife no, so probably not.”

Vaillancourt will be stepping back after 20 years of coaching.

The Lions came into the post-season with a 5-3 record and faced the powerful Cowboys in the first round, losing 50-18.

The Mavericks go on to face the Eagles in the final. The Eagles made the final after beating the Airdrie Raiders, 48-30, on Saturday.