Submitted by Todd Lewis
Head coach
On June 3rd, the Ponoka Area Minor Football Association hosted its third annual Ponoka Spring Jamboree.
What is a jamboree? It's a football tournament of sorts where multiple teams kick off in multiple controlled scrimmages. Player development is the primary goal, so coaches are allowed on the field to assist players with positioning, reads, and assignments.
There are no special teams, so no punting or kicking; rather, there is a set number of offensive plays followed by a set number of defensive plays. In spring, many players are brand new to the sport so having the game controlled and slowed down in a jamboree format can help quiet the noise of football's game play (there's lots of motion and bodies - noise - that can be confusing for players). Ten teams from five programs competed on June 3rd.
Peewee and Bantam teams from Olds, Rocky Mountain House, Stettler, and Drumheller joined the Peewee and Bantam Broncs, combining for 20 games played throughout the day.
Weather was somewhat uncooperative - it rained and sleeted at times. Despite the chilly conditions, there were still dozens of fans in attendance to spectate the Central Albertan footballers in action.
Players also gained valuable experience playing in the rain and the cold (something they will experience in the regular season in the fall). In addition to football, the Ponoka Spring Jamboree sought to offer Ponoka a true community event with all sorts of attractions to offer.
There was a concession and BBQ, food trucks, vendors courtesy of the Ponoka Community Market, a silent auction, and fireworks at the grand entry, and when teams scored touchdowns (courtesy of Fireworks Spectacular, the same company that provides fireworks for the Elks and Stampeders).
The Ponoka Piston Poppers were ready to show off their classic cars but were rained out unfortunately. They will be back at a home game in the fall. The grand entry kicked off the day with all 250-plus footballers charging onto the field with sponsor flags, banners, smoke, and fireworks. Lined up, there were enough players to stretch across the entire field - a great day for Central Albertan football.
Both the Peewee and Bantam Broncs had great showings throughout their games. They began their spring season way back in April, putting great emphasis on routines, organization, being thorough with the basics, and building brotherhood within their new group.
Their hard work paid off. Broncs demonstrated habits and football IQ that you don't usually see until the regular season in the fall. Brandt Cabay made tenacious blocks all day: he would set his primary block then, instead of watching the play continue, find another defender to set a second block.
First-time-footballer, No. 83 Colt Crosier, followed his blocks with great vision and patience, leading the peewee squad in scoring. No. 7 Tyzia Bull gave defences a hard time all day, using his agility and strong running to gain yards and touchdowns for the Broncs. No.77 Keanu Makinaw was an absolute tank on both the offensive and defensive lines, firing off each snap with explosive power.
No. 9 Casyn Huseby showed superb athleticism, using his speed to beat defences on the outside of the field to find the endzone, often. No. 1 Parker Adcock and No. 18 James Scott quarterbacked the peewee and bantam squads respectively. Both QBs showed poise and strong reads - exactly what a team needs in their offensive leaders.
No. 85 Tyler Hawkings continued his strong defensive play from the last two seasons, creating havoc for opponent ball-carriers. Hawkings also had a breakout day for offence, showing great talent as a fullback as he trucked through defenders on his way to the end zone.
No. 22 Deegan Mertin was another standout on both sides of the ball, consistently playing downhill and with aggression. The Broncs coaching staff is proud of the teams; play throughout the jamboree and in the spring season as a whole. It's not easy committing to football - it takes a lot of time and effort learning a new sport.
Our 2024 Broncs faced this challenge with unwavering character, pushing each other through each trial and, as a result, always coming out stronger in the end. The bad news: spring season ended with the jamboree. The good news: that spring was only preseason for the regular season which kicks off in the fall.
These kids are ready. Until fall season begins, players and new recruits have the opportunity to continue training at dryland practices, held weekly every Wednesday.
Drylands are free and open to any who are interested.
PAMFA is always looking for more players, sponsors, and volunteers. Email todd.lewis@wolfcreek.ab.ca for more details.
