Football Day in Ponoka - which saw all three levels of the Broncs play on Sept. 21 - was a big success on many levels, organizers say.
"We kicked off the day at 10 a.m. with our Bantam Broncs - they had the very first game of the day, and they were playing the Strathmore Badgers," said Todd Lewis, head coach.
"We knew going up to Saturday that we were going to have our hands full. So that's how we made our game plan - being tough, being resilient. And to essentially fight fire with fire," he said, adding from the get-go there was plenty of momentum shown by the broncs that just didn't let up.
The final score was 79-0.
"We don't measure our success based on points. We measure our success based on our effort, how much we improve, and how much we are able to lift each other up," he said.
"The Peewee Broncs kicked off at 1 p.m., and just like the Bantam Broncs, they scored on the very first place, too!
"Again, that starting play momentum is huge. The peewees used that momentum to get up really quick," he said, adding the players blocked to the whistle.
"It was unbelievable football intelligence and effort from these young players which is extremely exciting to see," he said, adding all of the players truly gave it their all. Ultimately, the peewees took the game 38-14.
"Great effort, fantastic improvement, and pure brotherhood shown by our peewees. Another thing that is really exciting is just how efficient and organized they are. They carry themselves like adults based on knowing where to go and what to do," he explained. "The future of football in Ponoka is extremely bright seeing these peewees play.
"Lastly, at 4 p.m. the Senior Broncs kicked off against the Coaldale Prairie Winds. This was a big match-up," he said.
"Football Alberta, for the high school teams, does a power ranking."
Lewis said for the first time ever, the Ponoka Broncs are first in the power ranking and Coaldale is at number two.
"So we had the number one and the number two power ranked teams playing against each other. And just like the peewees and bantams, the Senior Broncs scored on the very first play.
"That momentum from that first touchdown carried them through the entire game. It just seemed like they could play with ceaseless effort," he said, adding the team wrapped things up with a triumph of 43-24.
"I'm most excited that all these wins and points are a (sign) of the success that these kids have built. I'm extremely proud of these kids, and I'm extremely proud of what it means for the program," he said.
Other groups also helped to make the day amazing, he said.
"Ponoka Community Market had many vendors and attractions for folks to peruse. Ponoka Piston Poppers had tons of classic cars; jersey sponsors Brandt Agriculture and Noble Equipment-Ponoka also brought equipment and machines. The Royal Air Cadets saluted the flag while our live singers - Amanda Jeffrey and Jordyn Forster - sang O Canada."
Meanwhile, the teams were already off to a super start this season, said Lewis.
"Our season for the peewees started on Aug. 31," said Lewis. "We kicked off in Rocky, and Rocky's peewee program is quite strong, so we know that we were going in for one heck of a battle."
Lewis noted both teams made a few errors along with way, but both showed a real solid resilience, too.
"It was punch for punch. We got up on them early, and then they came back and got ahead on us, then we came back. It was back and both, blow for blow," he said.
Things wrapped up 20-18 for the broncs.
"Every single one of our players had quite a bit of playing time - it was just a fantastic way to start the season. To upset a great team like the Rocky Junior Rebels peewee team - that was pretty cool. It also showed there is a lot of potential with our peewee team, too."
The bantams started things up in Drumheller on Sept. 7, along with the peewees as well.
"The bantams kicked off first. This was a big game - not only because it was the season opener, but also because Drumheller has kind of had our number the past couple of seasons - including last year, when they booted us out of play-off contention in semi-finals.
"So this was a big game for us! Drumheller is a talented, athletic team. They are well-coached."
But the bantams were clearly up to the challenge.
"We had a really strong spring season, and a strong fall camp," said Lewis. "So our players kind of had that game circled on their calendar, too.
"We started off really strong," he said, adding a top-notch defensive system helped fend off Drumheller's strong plays. Ultimately, the game proved pretty explosive both ways.
"Our defence, for the most part, held them extremely well. They tackled efficiently, they pursued the ball relentlessly, and they only gave up 14 points the entire game," he said.
"With the offense, it was the same thing. They were explosive, they capitalized on every opportunity that they were given, and they blocked tenaciously.
"They looked like they were in mid-season form," he said.
"And so, that was a great start to the season for the bantams - they won 46 to 12. The peewees kicked off after that, and they also had a really strong showing. Defensively, they were very strong - they only gave up seven points."
They ultimately triumphed 40-to 7.
On Sept. 14, only the bantams played, again in Rocky.
"It was an extremely solid game by our bantams," he said.
"Also everyone on the sideline is the 10th player, because everyone has value, and everyone has impact. And our '10th player' absolutely showed up. They were loud, engaged, enthusiastic, and most importantly, they were resilient," he said.
The bantams were pretty much in control for much of the game, despite landing a number of penalties.
"When that happens, it's easy to let that take over," he said. "But again, the kids were resilient, and mentally tough. They made the choice to be resilient, and to focus on what was in their control. And what was in their control was to change how we played," he said.
"It was a fantastic game. Every single bantam got to play a lot, and it was just a fantastic night," he said, adding the final score was a stunning 50-0 for the broncs.
The wins are terrific to achieve, but it also all points to the kids being strong teammates with character to boot, he said.
"It's the first time in our history all three teams have had such a strong start. I think it's all indicative of how far the program has come."
Next up, Olds bantam and peewee teams are heading to Ponoka on Sept. 28.
"They've kind of had our number the past couple of year, like Drumheller. It's going to be fantastic. These games are definitely ones that the fans won't want to miss."
