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Broncs toughening up for their next game

There’s something about the game of football that drives the passion of players and fans.
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The Broncs defense stops a Wetaskiwin Sabres player in his tracks recently. Their next game is Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Lacombe.

There’s something about the game of football that drives the passion of players and fans.

A team can be down 24-0 in the second half and then rally to come back and create havoc for the opposition. That was the case with the Ponoka Secondary Campus senior Broncs recently. Their first home game — there are only two this season — against the Wetaskiwin Sabres appeared to be making their way to a major loss with no scoring.

The Broncs were down 24-0 at the end of the first half and appeared to be readying themselves for a long game of no first downs. But terse words with coach Scotty MacGregor and the team seemed to awaken from slumber prepared to win the game.

They didn’t win but players were fired up enough to make several first downs and score two touchdowns; one from quarterback Ruger Dye. The Broncs’ defense was unwilling to allow the Sabres any ground and they helped Dye and the offense gain ground.

“They were motivated. Fired up!” says MacGregor.

Players were able to capitalize on some key first downs and gained important yards. Fans could feel the energy emanating from the Broncs’ coaches and players. The team was hoping to take advantage of that growth against Rocky Mountain House Rebels last week but could not make any headway against a more experienced team. They lost 53-0.

“Rocky is a really tough team,” said MacGregor.

Intimidation played a large factor against the Broncs as the defense stayed on the field more than MacGregor wanted. The offensive line struggled to gain a first down against bigger players. Pushing the offense further back down the field makes the game tougher to win.

“Their defense has to stay on the field, which gets them tired,” he explained.

The head coach takes responsibility for losing the game; he feels players need to learn how to play a smart game against taller players. “Low man wins in football.”

“I personally did not have my boys mentally prepared for that game,” stated MacGregor.

Despite a large point deficit, he feels Wetaskiwin is a tougher team to beat. “I was unable to communicate the importance of mental toughness. I need to get better at that.”

The Broncs take on the Lacombe Rams Sept. 26 on the MEGlobal Athletic Park at 7:30 p.m. Players are looking forward to competing on artificial turf — the only one in their league — under the lights. This will be a tough game for the team.

“Lacombe always had a solid program with excellent coaching,” he said.

Lacombe’s football program has been active for some years with strong feeder programs and MacGregor is preparing himself for the challenge of that game.

The Broncs next home game is Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. against Camrose.