As the season progresses, the Ponoka Composite High School (PCHS) Broncs football team has yet to win a game, but head coach Scott MacGregor sees it more as an opportunity than a failing.
He feels there are three things the team needs to look at if they want to improve their performance: one is to prepare themselves for intense battle; two is to remind themselves to have fun; and three is to realize football is a team game.
“Maybe shift your focus to what’s important in life,” he stated.
The two exhibition games the Broncs played were against Hunting Hills Lightning and the Lacombe Rams with a 53-0 loss and a 59-0 loss, respectively, MacGregor knew they were the underdogs for those games.
“It’s been tough coming up against some well-established programs,” he said. “The loss against Lacombe I’m putting squarely on my shoulders.”
Playing a team such as Lacombe, with experienced coaches and players who have worked with each other for five years, make it even more of a challenge. MacGregor feels he did not prepare his team for what they were going to face. “We wanted to come in as an underdog and give it our best shot.”
Their Monday morning practice started with an analysis of the game, what it means to each player, and what they feel would take to be competitive against their next game against Stettler.
He feels their game against Rocky Mountain House’s West Central High was a performance to remember. “More so with the way we were down 22-0 and we decided to play a brand of football we were proud of.”
The team came back and despite losing 35-15, they outscored West Central 15-13 in the second half. MacGregor believes his players are able to motivate each other but would want to see improvement in overall motivation; from taking care of stalls, to showing up on time and playing well in the field.
MacGregor wants to see improvement.
“Our offensive line has to get tougher,” as well as “fundamental skills that we have to visit.”
Despite the loss, practices continue for coaches and players who are preparing for their home game against Stettler Sept. 28 at 4:30 p.m.. He wants his players to understand and appreciate where they could improve.“ I called the loss an opportunity.”
“No one on the Broncs team will ever back down.”
A new dynamic for the Broncs is using headsets. MacGregor and assistant coach Glen Kawahara, who is in an elevated position, communicate with each other over the plays.
“It’s new for me. I’m still learning how to use them,” he said.
He feels it helps to see offensive and defensive plays from a different perspective and also to ensure the correct number of players are on the field.
MacGregor thanked fans supporting the team as well. “I want them to be proud of our effort.”