PCHS Broncs to join 12-man football league
Broncs football coach Scott MacGregor was all smiles April 4 at the team’s annual banquet as he announced the team’s transition to a 12-man league.
Five years in the making, MacGregor always intended to move to a full roster, but his main motivation is to, “use football as a tool to bring young boys to men,” he explained.
MacGregor wants the chance to reach more players to help build their confidence and social skills.
Once the application to be a part of the 12-man league is accepted, the Broncs will join nine other teams in the Central Alberta Football League with schools in Red Deer to Stettler and Rocky Mountain House. The coach is confident they will be accepted.
“The league is very excited to have us,” he said.
Despite inexperience playing at this level, MacGregor feels the Broncs will still be a force to reckon with.
“We’ll be inexperienced, but our athleticism will match any team,” he stated.
Ian Rawlinson, PCHS principal, thanked MacGregor for his initiative and involvement in creating a football team in the first place, and as the team matures, the community will support the team.
“It wouldn’t have worked without Scott’s initial vision,” stated Rawlinson.
McGregor also presented to one of their graduating players; Drake McCheyne, the team’s own Goody Award, named after Larry Goodwin, who initially started football in Ponoka in the ’70s. There are three criteria for the award, citizenship, sportsmanship, and athleticism. MacGregor said it was a close call but McCheyne represented all three of the qualities they look for in a candidate.
Five other players, including McCheyne, Taylor Kim, Nick Clarke, Matthew Rowland, and Rick Bilski, are graduating this year and they were able to keep their football jerseys from last season.
Football season begins Aug. 25 and after 30 years, the Broncs will bring back 12-man football to Ponoka. Tryouts start May 2 at 6:30 a.m.
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