The Wynyard Bears held off a strong upset bid by the Assiniboia Rockets to advance to the provincial playoffs with a 71-64 win on Saturday.

Assiniboia scored the game's first touchdown before the Bears replied with 28 straight points to go up 28-6 in the second quarter.

Throughout the rest of the half, the two sides exchanged points with Wynyard heading to the halftime break with a 44-28 lead following a late kickoff return touchdown from Assiniboia.

The Rockets began the second half with a bang, scoring on their opening drive to bring the game to 44-34 before the Bears rattled off two more touchdowns to go up 58-34.

Once again, Assiniboia responded with a pair of touchdowns, pulling the game back to a 10 point difference through three quarters of play.

The back and forth offensive showdown continued in the final quarter, with Bears quarterback Rylan Sokul connecting with Ryan Tarry for a long touchdown pass. 

After the Rockets had made the game 65-56, an attempted short kick was taken all the way back by Tarry to boost Wynyard to a 71-56 lead.

Not to be out done, Assiniboia quickly scored a touchdown and converted for two points to bring the game to 71-64 for Wynyard.

A late short kick attempt by the Rockets went out of bounds, effectively ending their bid at a stunning upset at George Lamb Field.

Bears coach Morris Sokul noted that the Assiniboia team they saw on Saturday was greatly different than the team Wynyard crushed 55-8 in the regular season.

Sokul gave kudos to the Rockets and their coaching staff for a second half turnaround on their season, which led them to a win over Preeceville the week prior.

Wynyard will host Dalmeny in the provincial quarterfinals on Saturday, October 28, at 1:00pm.

In Watrous, the Wildcats played host to the Lanigan Lazers, picking up a 58-25 win.

The Lazers played tough in the first half, with Watrous leading 20-6 after the first quarter and 26-6 at the half in rain soaked conditions.

Watrous began to pull away in the second half, taking a 50-18 lead through three quarters, with each side scoring one final touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Finishing second in the conference, the Wildcats will head on the road for their first game of provincials. They visit Clavet on Saturday.

In addition to Wynyard and Watrous' games, other action in the 2A bracket will see the Wakaw Warriors against Creighton, with Rosthern visiting Cumberland House.

In 6-man 1A football, the provincial bracket sees the Raymore Rebels host the Viscount Vikings.

Other matchups have Plenty at home to Caronport, Gull Lake hosts Kerrobert, and the defending champion Hanley Sabers welcome Cupar.

All games will be played on Saturday.