The Central Alberta Buccaneers kicked off their regular season June 1, defeating their longtime rivals, the Edmonton Stallions, 34-7.
The Stallions travelled south to Lacombe’s MEGlobal Athletic Park to take on the Bucs. The Buccaneers’ offense opened up the scoring early in the first quarter. Quarterback Byron Stearns had an excellent game and went for four touchdowns with no turnovers. His favourite targets for the evening were RB/SB Jamie Blinkhorn and WR Chad Murray, each of whom scored two TDs after pulling in Stearns’ passes. WR/C Tylor Johnson also contributed to the scoreboard by completing two field goals and all four point-after conversions.
The Buccaneers’ defense swarmed the Stallions’ offensive line and created havoc in the backfield. Defensive ends, David Hodgess and Ian Keetch recorded multiple sacks and tackles. Noseguard Francisco “Paco” Zaragoza, made two fumble recoveries. As a result of the intense pressure, the Stallions’ quarterback was rushed and had little time to throw. The Bucs’ secondary was able to cover these hurried pass attempts and lockdown on the opposing receivers, which resulted in few completed passes. Former Ponoka Bronc, Curtis Pugh, recorded a pair of tackles as well as a fumble recovery.
Next weekend, June 8, the Lloydminster Vandals travel to Lacombe to battle the Bucs. The Vandals lost their home opener to the Calgary Wolfpack, 79-1.
— Bucs Banter