Marauders linebacker Thomas Rusk kisses the Canadian Tire Classic cup after winning it back in 2019, the last time the Canadian Tire Classic was played. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

High School Football

Marauders and Crusaders to finally meet for Div. II finals and Canadian Tire Classic carry-over match up

Nov 3, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Never has there been more on the line for one high school football game in Prince Albert.

The Div. II finals and the first Canadian Tire Classic in two years will be up for grabs Thursday at Max Clunie Field when the St. Mary Marauders and Carlton Crusaders senior football teams take the field at 6:30 p.m.

The two teams were originally scheduled to meet on Oct. 8, but the game was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols. The game was not rescheduled, so neither side met in the regular season or the playoffs.

The Marauders had one of their better seasons in history, going 6-1, and did not allow more than 12 points against in any game they played. They then defeated Evan Hardy 39-0 in the Div. II semifinals to advance to the big dance in Prince Albert on Thursday.

Carlton Crusaders receiver Gage Prodaehl and Walter Murray Marauders defensive back Wyatt Cameron battle for a jump ball earlier this season. Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff

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The Crusaders finished at 4-2 in the regular season, but they went almost a month without playing a game. After losing to Walter Murray 45-27 on Sept. 30, the Crusaders lost in a forfeit to St. Mary due to COVID-19 protocols, then won in a forfeit the following week Oct. 14 to E.D. Feehan, also due to COVID-19.

The Crusaders then got back into action on Oct. 22, beating Evan Hardy 28-0. They defeated the Bethlehem Stars 28-12 on Oct. 27 to advance to the finals and meet the Marauders.

This continues the interesting saga over the last few years between the pair of P.A. football teams. Before the high school football season was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, both teams finished in a 27-27 tie in the 2019 Canadian Tire Classic. Both teams would meet the following week when the Marauders defeated the Crusaders 23-11 in the playoffs.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW