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Bucs force the Vandals to walk the plank

The Central Alberta Buccaneers have improved their record to 2-0 after overwhelming the Lloydminster Vandals, 62-7.
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Mike Clarkson lays a licking on the Vandals QB.

The Central Alberta Buccaneers have improved their record to 2-0 after overwhelming the Lloydminster Vandals, 62-7. The Bucs are tied with the Calgary Wolfpack for first in the Alberta Football League.

The 2012 national champions travelled with a light roster to Lacombe’s MEGlobal Athletic Park June 8 to take on the Bucs.

Starting off strong, the Bucs put up 17 points in the first quarter alone. The absence of starting quarterback Byron Stearns was alleviated by the stellar performance of backup Andrew Stannix. Stannix picked on the inexperienced Vandal secondary and threw for more than 200 yards. Matt Merkely, Josh Sorenson and Richard Snyder each scored a touchdown via a Stannix pass.

Special teams also greatly contributed to the Buccaneers’ offense, scoring two kick return touchdowns, a field goal, and a field goal return touchdown by Tylor Johnson. The defense also contributed to the scoreboard with a safety.

The Buccaneers’ defense continued its dominance on the field and “asserted its will on the [Vandals] offense,” said defensive co-ordinator, Devon Hand. The Vandal QB had little time to pass and was sacked numerous times. Ian Keetch was in the backfield all game and broke the AFL record for the number of sacks in a season.

“Keetch really stood out on the defense” said Hand. “He was able to generate consistent pressure on the QB.” Mike Clarkson, Dave Henderson, and David Hodgess also recorded numerous tackles and sacks.

Next week’s game against the Edmonton Army is cancelled. The Army forfeited their 2013 season due to lack of players. As a result, the Bucs have a bye week to prepare for the Calgary Gators. The two teams kickoff June 22 in Lacombe’s MEGlobal Athletic Park

— Bucs Banter