It was a tough go at home for the bantam Broncs football squad after a big loss to the Sylvan Lake Lions.
The Broncs played the Lions Oct. 14 with a major loss of 57-6.
Whatever offensive plays Ponoka had set up, the Lions were ready, and willing to make key turnovers and then create touchdowns. It was a challenging game for the Broncs but the players managed to keep their spirits up and play for the full game.
Despite that home field loss, the team has a chance at making the C-Division playoffs, explained coach Todd Lewis.
The bantam Broncs play Innisfail Cyclones next weekend and a win against them will ensure that C-Division spot. “It’s our last regular season game.”
The Broncs are at a regular season record of 1-5. A win would put the team with a 2-5 record and place them in the eighth spot in the league.
“Which means not only would we get home field advantage in semi-finals. If we win that game we’d have home field advantage for our championship, which is something I don’t think any Ponoka team has ever experienced,” said Lewis.
It’s a big game and he wants to be ready.
Recognizing key players at each game is an important part of the team’s focus.
Offensive player of the game was Josh Rust and defensive player was Jojo Wildcat.
For Rust, the Broncs’ blocking is something he was proud of. He feels the team made some strong plays despite the big score difference. For him, what would help the team is: “To contain.”
“We’re just going to get on the ball,” explained Rust, if the Broncs follow through with their offensive strategies.
Looking back at the one touchdown of the game, it was a moment of celebration. “It definitely lifts the team’s spirits,” said Rust. “I feel like we play better once we bring up that energy level.”
Wildcat agreed. “It really brings up the excitement.”
He was pleased with the tackling the players did and how they, “stayed to the hip.” He referred to the technique of watching the opponent’s hip for movement and direction.
One challenge he feels the defensive side needs to work on is to stay low. By doing that the defence will be able to take care of a missed opportunities.