A first ever consolation game for the Ponoka senior Broncs did not end as well as hoped.
Playing at home Nov. 1 against the Wetaskwin Sabres, Ponoka looked poised to win the consolation but it all seemed to fall apart at the end. That being said, this was a season of many firsts for the senior squad, which had its winningest season since its relatively recent inception.
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For coach Cody Baird, despite the unforced errors on the field in this last game, the season as a whole is one to remember. Out of seven teams in the league, the Broncs placed fourth.
Considering past seasons where the team couldn’t even make a win, the 2018 football season is a positive one. “The best season ever. A winning record in the end,” said Baird.
During the game itself, the Broncs were behind at the half but they managed to tie it up 8-8 in the second half.
In the fourth quarter, the Sabres took over.
“That’s a well-coached team and we knew that going into that,” said Baird.
“Honestly, I think we lost that ourselves,” added coach Jamie Blinkhorn. “I don’t think it was anything they did. I think we had too many mistakes.”
Those mistakes and penalties added up, hurting the Broncs overall. Blinkhorn suggested those types of mistakes should be happening at the start of the season rather than in week eight.
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After the game, Baird said all the coaches spoke on having pride despite the loss.
“A loss doesn’t change everything we have done this season,” he explained.
“It’s tough not to dwell on the final game,” added Blinkhorn. “But hopefully they remember this is the most successful season they’ve ever had.”
For many of the players this will be their last time playing team football so the loss is somewhat bitter sweet. For Blinkhorn, however, the team has seen upward growth, and the program continues to see improvements.
Both Baird and Blinkhorn added their gratitude to the parents and family volunteers who helped out during the year.
jeff.heyden-kaye@ponokanews.com
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