Bold predictions have become somewhat of a trend with Lacombe Rams football players in post-game interviews. 

After defeating Lindsay Thurber this month to set up a semifinals matchup against the Notre Dame Cougars, receiver Richard Jans said the team would "take the W".

That was exactly what they did on Friday night, beating the Cougars 43-28. This time, receiver Matt Darnell played the role of team seer looking ahead to their finals opponent, the Hunting Hills Lightning.

"It's great to finally be back in the league championship, which I guarantee we win," said Darnell, who recorded two touchdowns in the victory.

You sure you don't want to walk that back a few yards, Matt? The history of athletes guaranteeing victory is a mixed bag. Most prefer not to tempt fate.

Darnell doesn't stutter.

"We're confident. We have a great offensive line in Wyatt (Glover) and Dave (Morin) and those guys. Zach (Schwab) at running back, Johnny (Ericson) at quarterback, Rich (Jans) and Simon (Gray), Turner (Douglas), out there. I think we got the best offence in the league."

Notre Dame came within two points in the fourth quarter against the Rams on Friday. They came no closer, thanks to the Lacombe defence.

Also part of what gives Darnell confidence is how cohesive the team is this year compared to the past.

"This year, we're really close, we're like brothers, we're super good friends, all of us," he said.

Rams head coach Jason Petrie said belief will be key to solving the only team to beat Lacombe this year, and by a combined score of 76-24 in two games.

"They're not invincible. I'll tell you that right now," Petrie said.

"We watched them play last night. They're a very good football team. They're very fast, they execute well but we match up better with them than we do with anybody else in the league."

Belief, but also execution. And a stingy defence that slammed the door shut on a Cougars team that came within two points in the fourth quarter on Friday, rebuffing the offence by recovering one fumble after another.

"Wyatt Glover had a huge game at offensive tackle and defensive tackle. Dave Morin had a huge game. Ezra West ... had a huge first half for us at offensive guard," Petrie said.

"Tristyn Foley was in the backfield all game today and causing hurry-ups and chasing stuff down from the backside because no one will ever run his side. Those are the types of things that it takes to win."

The league final is on Saturday.