While other football teams are looking for as many points as possible the senior Broncs are showing improvement one play at a time.
The Broncs played host to the Wetaskiwin Sabres Oct. 6 on a cold and blustery day that showed the home team has the ability to make important plays when needed. The team managed to hold the Sabres’ offense for much of the first half keeping the score 1-0 for the Sabres.
The break seemed to rejuvenate the Sabres who started to find holes in the Broncs’ defense gaining yards and managing to get important first downs that moved them down the field.
Each try improved their chances at a touchdown and it was only a matter of time before the Sabres notched a few more points on the scoreboard. By the end of the third quarter the Sabres offensive line managed to secure three touchdowns bringing the score 22-0.
By the fourth quarter the Broncs were looking at ways to get on the board. A huge 75-yard run by Lewis McDowell was just the answer Ponoka was looking for bringing the score 22-7. However, the Sabres responded almost immediately with an equally devastating run that brought them to the Broncs’ five-yard line.
The touchdown was good and that point gap increased to 29-7.
Coach Cody Baird said a ton of injuries in the first half created holes in the team’s defensive and offensive plays, which added to their challenges in the second half. To cover that a few players covered several positions.
“Actually we got to test water with guys playing different spots,” explained Baird. “To be honest guys really stepped up and carried a lot of weight today.”
Having to fill those spots gave some of the Broncs a chance to push themselves, offered Baird. “I’m seeing a ton of leadership out of those kids.”
Rather than give up the Broncs had a few tricks up their sleeves completing several important passes. Quarterback Jared Bussiere made a solid pass to Cameron Walsh who brought the ball to the Sabres’ 35-yard line later in the fourth quarter.
Josh Parent was able to bring the ball to first and goal allowing Bussiere to eventually run it in for a touchdown. The score sat at 29-13 until the Sabres managed another touchdown bringing the final score to 36-13.
The Broncs next game is against Camrose, set for Oct. 13 at home.
“We’ll match up well against them,” said Baird.