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Ponoka’s bantam football squad post another win to wind up fifth in league

Broncs defeat Springbank to place in highest ever position, ready to host B pool playoffs
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Nate Sluggett hauls in this tough pass for the bantam Broncs then runs for a 30-plus yard gain late in the first quarter of their victory at home against Springbank Oct. 13. Photo by Jordie Dwyer

Another game and another victory has pushed the Ponoka bantam Broncs into never before seen territory.

By virtue of a 28-6 win at home over Springbank in the team’s final regular season game Oct. 13, the club posted the highest league finish since the team’s inception four years ago.

The club winds up the season in fifth spot, meaning the Broncs will have home field advantage in the B-pool playoffs. The bantam Broncs will take on Red Deer’s Hunting Hills Lightning on Oct. 27 with game time yet to be decided.

The win also marks another first for the club — the first time the team has posted more than one victory in the regular season.

For head coach Todd Lewis, the entire season to date has been “awesome” and the playoffs will be a major added bonus for the program.

“Our team has continually grown this season. Not only are kids executing and doing all the little things — playing to the whistle, blocking down field, group tackling, etc — their football IQ is really beginning to show,” said Lewis. “They are making smart choices every play and this puts in a better position to be successful.”

“I am extremely proud of this group of athletes. They have worked so hard to get to this point in the season and I cannot wait to see how they perform in playoffs.”

Lewis added both the team and coaches know there is still a need for improvement in this home stretch if they want to come away with a championship.

“We actually hosted C-pool playoff games the past two seasons, but this is the first time we have qualified for the B-pool, so it’s pretty cool to host a semi-final in this tougher pool,” he said.

“And it would be amazing to see our bleachers full of Ponoka fans.”

He reiterated, much as he has done the past few seasons, that the team’s winning is a result of the player’s success in building each other up and playing with both passion and effort.

“That being said, our players have worked extremely hard all season and it’s fitting to see their effort rewarded with victorious bouts,” he added.

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Ponoka’s huge offensive threat, Jordan Young, uses the stiff arm to fend off a Springbank tackler and gain another five yards on this play in the opening quarter Oct. 13. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
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Jordan Young hangs onto the ball as he is tackled by a Springbank defender on one of his many carries in the bantam Broncs 28-6 victory at home Oct. 13. Photo by Jordie Dwyer