The first football game of the season for the junior Broncs may not have finished with an ideal point spread, but head coach Scott MacGregor knows he has an uphill battle.
The final score against the Lacombe Raiders Aug. 30 was 64-6 with Ponoka scoring their only touchdown in the fourth quarter. Broncs’ number 9 Sean Rowland made a huge kick return that rejuvenated the spirits of the young team.
Fans could tell the Broncs were in for a tough game as the Raiders had more than 30 players on their bench while Ponoka had under 20. The coach’s focus is for his team to play as best as possible.
“They’re only allowed 12 men on the field and so are we. It’s just a matter of getting a few more guys,” said MacGregor.
“I don’t worry much about the other team…I just focus on my team and try to adjust and try to have success,” he added.
Once school starts, he expects his roster to fill up. MacGregor did not let the large point difference stop him from taking opportunities during half time to drill some key lessons for players.
There were moments of clarity for the team who generally had trouble driving the ball down the field. Rowland’s touchdown and some key defensive plays showed that the team is capable of making plays. MacGregor said with more training, the junior Broncs will be able to hone their skills. “That’ll all come too as we get more guys and as we get more aware of what their assignment is in each position.”
This is the second year of football for this young team and MacGregor’s goal is to develop the team’s unity. “It’s very rewarding coaching these guys because they give so much effort and so much heart.”
MacGregor is pleased to once again be sponsored by Cervus Equipment and he says Hamilton’s IGA has donated food to the team to sell during games. Cody Baird is the defensive co-ordinator and Alain Bussiere has recently stepped up as offensive co-ordinator.
The junior Broncs’ next game is Saturday, Sept. 6, with a start time yet to be announced.