The Bantam River Riders had a perfect season. (Submitted photo/Jeremiah Morrison)

By Derek Craddock

GO RIVER RIDERS

Year In Review: The River Riders and the perfect season

Dec 27, 2022 | 8:00 AM

As 2022 draws to a close, paNOW is taking a look back on the most important and impactful stories of the year, as selected by our reporters and editorial staff.

History was made on the gridiron this past year as a local youth football team captured the perfect season.

The Bantam River Riders headed into the Kinsmen Football League (KFL) this past fall with a mission to not only improve on the season before but win the coveted championship.

In week two of the season, the team held its first home game of the year and dominated the entire four quarters. The Bantam team shut out the Steelers 14-0 and head coach Joey Hemsworth couldn’t be happier.

“Obviously our defence played unreal, not allowing any points. Pretty much all facets of the game, we played a pretty solid game,” he said. “The kids haven’t disappointed,” Hemsworth said. “They come to practice every day, they put the work in. Obviously, there’s things to improve but being 2-0 is the way you want to start.”

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The River Riders won their semifinal game in an overtime thriller 30-24 over the Clavet Cougars.

This was the second straight week the River Riders beat the Cougars after scoring a 24-20 win in the regular season finale on Oct. 24.

That set up a championship showdown with the Raiders in Saskatoon.

In a close game where both defences were strong, and the winter weather was a factor, a blocked conversion after a Saskatoon Raiders touchdown was the deciding play, as the River Riders held on to win 7-6.

Head coach Joey Hemsworth said it was the perfect way to cap off a memorable season.

“They battled the conditions; it wasn’t ideal weather. We went and scored seven points, enough to do the job. Once again, our defence did a good job. They had a big interception at the end of the game to seal the deal.”

Defensive captain Miller Childress played his final season of Bantam football and said the championship was the perfect send-off.

“It’s a pretty big moment for sure,” he said recalling the championship. “Last season, we didn’t do so good, so it was big to come back and win it.”

One of his teammates, running back and offensive captain Rylan Morrison will also be moving on from Bantam to play High School football.

“It feels great. An undefeated season — [we] never had it before,” he said. “Last year wasn’t the best; we placed second last, but this feels great and being the running back and having most of those touchdowns, it’s something.”

Not only did the team win on the field, but they captured the hearts of the community, winning at this year’s BOB Awards.

Prince Albert Minor Football was named Best Minor Sports program for the third year in a row while the River Riders were named Best Sports Team.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock