On Oct. 5th, the Olds Huskies (peewee) and Olds Bulldogs (bantam) kicked off in Ponoka.
While both the peewee and the bantam Broncs teams sat atop their respective leagues with a 3-0 record, they knew their hands would be full on game day.
Olds is a well-coached program that has produced strong and confident teams over the last five years; the Broncs knew they were in for a battle on Oct. 5th.
The Bantam Broncs played first, kicking off at 10 a.m.
Despite a turnover on the opening kick-off, the bantams woke up and showed they were ready to play. The offence, while failing to score on the first two drives, gained ground and put the team in a favourable field position. Broncs' defence did a fantastic job of shutting down the strong Olds passing game through great coverage and pressure.
For the majority of the first quarter, both teams' defences managed to keep the score 0-0. Eventually the scores would follow and both teams would go punch for punch, with the Broncs maintaining the lead by very narrow margin.
The Broncs found themselves with 1:05 left in the game, third down and four yards to go, up 28-22.
On yet another inside run, Tyler Hawkings (#85) managed to shrug off the Bulldog tackles and rumbled his way across the first down marker, earning the team a new set of downs which allowed them to 'knee out' the remaining time.
Bantam Broncs won 28-22 in one of the best games the program has ever seen.
This game was an important moment in the Bantams Broncs season. Not because they won, not because they beat one of the best teams in the league, and not because they secured first place in the standings, but because they demonstrated absolute focus, unwavering heart and determination, and true brotherhood.
Despite the Bulldogs making great plays and taking advantage of Ponoka's mistakes, our Bantam Broncs were resolute in the game plan and, more importantly, in each other. It's easy to be a great teammate when everything is going your way; but real character is revealed when times get tough. Through their actions on Saturday, the Broncs showed that their character is one of champions.
The Peewee Broncs kicked off after the bantams, at 1 p.m.
The opening kick-off was returned for an 80-yard touchdown, courtesy of Colt Crosier (#83) and some great blocking in front of him. The momentum gained from this opening score translated to strong Broncs play.
The peewees blocked with tenacity, tackled low and aggressively, and completed numerous passes (a rarity in the peewee league). Moreover, they demonstrated high football IQ in their positioning and routines; these young players are starting to carry themselves like pros!
The Olds Huskies made good adjustments during half-time and started the second half determined to narrow the score. They found some cracks in the Broncs' defence and managed to drive the field several times. But, as defensive coordinator Michael Davidse often tells the defence, "we bend but don't break."
Broncs managed to hold Olds to a single touchdown. Broncs finished with a victory, 51-6. The peewee and Bantam Broncs kick-off at home for the final time this regular season on Oct. 5th (10 a.m. bantam and 1 p.m. peewee).
In addition to strong football, there are numerous attractions at Broncs game days - there's sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
More importantly, these kids have dedicated themselves to success and are achieving it every day. Come watch on the 5th and celebrate these kids' efforts.
