Cavaliers Fall Just Short in Season Opener Despite Dominant Statistical Performance
Cochrane, AB — August 29, 2026
The W.H. Croxford Cavaliers opened the 2026 season on the road against the Cochrane Cobras in a battle that came right down to the final play, with the Cavaliers falling 27-21 despite out-gaining Cochrane by more than 100 total yards — an impressive showing for a roster that skews young, with the majority of the squad in Grade 10 and Grade 11.
Levi Jones Picks Up Right Where He Left Off
Grade 12 standout Levi Jones, now entering his third season with the Cavaliers, reminded everyone why he’s one of the program’s most trusted playmakers — punching in three rushing touchdowns from 7, 19, and 23 yards out to stake the Cavaliers to an early 21-0 lead. Jones finished with 91 rushing yards on 10 carries to go with a receiving catch, another statement performance to open the year.
Diggens and Bankebabone Lead a Balanced Attack
Grade 12 quarterback Marshall Diggens was efficient in his first varsity start, completing 10 of 15 passes for 141 yards. His top target was Grade 10 sensation Davin Bankebabone, widely regarded as one of Western Canada’s top quarterback prospects, who lined up at receiver for this game and hauled in 5 catches for 97 yards and a long of 43. Getting that kind of production from a Grade 10 athlete — regardless of position — is a strong early signal for where this offense is headed.
Defense Holds the Line Up Front
The Cavaliers’ defense was stout against the run, limiting Cochrane’s rushing attack to just 49 yards on the day. Grade 10 athletes Christian McElligott and Smith Layton paced the effort, with McElligott recording 5 tackles and a tackle-for-loss and Layton adding 4 stops. Cochrane found more success through the air, and shoring up coverage in the secondary will be a point of emphasis as the season progresses.
Down to the Wire
Trailing late, the Cavaliers gave themselves a shot to answer, with Diggens looking downfield for Kale Labiuk on a potential game-tying score. The pass fell just out of reach, and Cochrane closed out the 27-21 win. It was the kind of finish that will sting in the short term but speaks to a team that competed for all four quarters against a strong opponent.
Growing Pains for a Young Team
With so many Grade 10 and Grade 11 athletes taking on significant roles in their first varsity action, some early-season discipline showed up on the penalty sheet, and a couple of untimely turnovers gave Cochrane extra possessions in the second half. Those are the kinds of details that come with experience — and with this much talent already on display at such a young age, this is a group that should only get better as the season goes on.
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers put up 336 yards of offense in Week 1 — a remarkable foundation for a roster built primarily around Grade 10 and 11 athletes. With Grade 12 leadership showing the way, Croxford will look to carry that momentum into a huge Week 2 test: the Airdrie Westside Championship against rival George McDougall Mustangs, Saturday, September 5th at 1:00 PM at Ed Eggerer Field.
Photo Credits - Betina Fillion, Pat Price Photography, Auraathletic.ca
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