CHARLES TWEED/Ponoka News
The football fields at Ponoka Composite High School were packed as seven schools sojourned on the gridiron for the annual Broncs Jamboree.
In their final contest, Ponoka ran into the Brooks Buffalos. Down six points, Broncs quarterback Cole Hogarth delivered a strike to Josh Simon who fought off two Buffalo defenders to stretch across the goal line before his knee touched the ground. The touchdown tied the game up on the final play of the game to finish in a 24-24 draw.
“I was proud of our coaching staff as well as our boys,” said Broncs head coach Scott MacGregor. “They played with great effort, sportsmanship and athleticism. The boys played hard and clean and did it with class. Harnessed aggression is a wonderful thing.”
MacGregor couldn’t help but get a little sentimental about the jamboree as coach Glen Kawahara will step away from the team for an undisclosed period of time.
“I want to thank coach Kawahara for his dedication and commitment to the development of football in Ponoka for our kids. He has been with the Broncs for the last four seasons, countless morning practices and evening games,” said MacGregor.
Kawahara is hosting a junior high flag football jamboree on June 11 but MacGregor knows he’ll be missed by the PCHS Broncs.
“His skill set and knowledge of the game was instrumental in our success. Most importantly he is genuine and honest and takes pride in all that he does. The school, team and community thank Glen and Cookie,” said MacGregor.
The action began at 8 a.m. as Ponoka squared off against the Caroline Cougars for their first game. The Broncs started on a winning note, doubling up on the Cougars 12-6.
Ponoka’s second game pitted them against the Buck Mountain Central Mustangs. A strong and game Mustang squad won by a score of 30-8.
Next the Broncs faced a tough Drayton Valley team. A game that was dominated by both teams’ defenses when the whistle went, it was a 6-0 win for Drayton.
The jamboree was a huge success with opposing teams’ coaches commenting on how well the day was run.
“I just want to thank Ponoka for the hospitality and extremely well run jamboree. I was extremely impressed as we shook hands with you guys after our game some of your boys were welcoming us into the league. That was very classy,” said Brooks head coach Julian Annicchiarico in an email to MacGregor.