Cougars’ receiver Kai Lyngo goes tumbling out-of-bounds after making a catch and picking good yardage in second quarter action of CEC’s playoff win over Bay View on Nov. 2. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /Truro NewsArticle contentTRURO – The CEC Cougars football team punched their ticket to the Nova Scotia division one semi-finals with a convincing 27-12 victory over the Bay View Sharks on Nov. 2. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentPlaying on their home turf at James MacPherson Stadium, the third-seeded Cougars took control of the quarter-final game early and dominated the first half. They took a 24-2 lead over their rivals from the Upper Tantallon-based high school, into the locker room at half-time, and coasted to victory. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe Sharks, the sixth seed, would put a few points on the board as time ran down in the contest, but it was a case of too little, too late. Article content“On both sides of the ball, we’re executing as well as we have all year,” said head coach Shawn Davison after the victory. “Offensively, that is the best we’ve played, and defensively, while we played pretty well all year, today was even better. It was a big team effort.” Article contentDavison said he wasn’t surprised by the effectiveness of his team in the playoff game. Article content“We’ve been on the edge of playing really well for a while now,” he said. “That (Bay View) is a tough team, but we just had the edge on them today.” Article content CEC defensive back Noel Miller rises up to pick off a Sharks’ pass attempt, intended for Anthony Darrigan. Also pictured from the Cougars is Garrett Casey. Photo by Richard MacKenzieArticle contentArticle contentCEC quarterback Ryker Durning said a key for the Cougars is to keep working as a unit. Article content“We’re just focused on working as a team, that’s about it,” Durning said. “We keep our heads up and focused on the next play, on executing it.” Article contentArticle contentAsked if the convincing win added to the team’s confidence, Durning said it could a little, but the team is more concerned with staying grounded in the moment and not getting too high or too low. Article content“We can’t get up or down,” he said, “we just have to keep our emotions flat, and play hard.” Article contentAs for what the focus will be during the week of practice leading up to the semi-final, Durning said it’s about staying consistent with the plays that are working well now. Article content“And cleaning up the stuff we know we can be better in,” he said. Article content CEC linebacker Layten Kinsman wraps up a Bay View ballcarrier. The Cougars’ defence was very stingy on the day, as they have been for most of the 2025-26 season. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /Truro NewsArticle contentArticle contentDavison said practice will also focus on who they play, whether it will be the number two seed Citadel Phoenix or the seventh-seeded Auburn Drive Eagles (game not played before press time). Article content“We’ll make adjustments depending on who we’re playing,” said the veteran gridiron coach. “And we’ll be ready.” Article content The CEC offence, pictured driving here late in the second quarter, would add another three points before the half, and take a commanding 24-2 lead into the locker room. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /Truro NewsArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content
Cougars claw Sharks for playoff football win
