Undefeated in their regular season with a 4-0 record — a first in the team’s history — the Bantam Broncs are heading into playoffs for the league championship.
Their 82-24 home turf win against Rocky Mountain House on Oct. 15, means the team will advance to the semi-final round, hosting the Strathmore Badgers on Oct. 22.
During the game against Rocky, Broncs No. 2 Westin Potts at quarterback passed for over 250 yards, completing multiple passing touch downs, and ran for over 60 yards (including a rushing touch down of his own).
“It’s rare seeing a quarterback like that in high school let alone at the bantam level,” said head coach Todd Lewis.
No. 12 Nash Ronnie and No. 9 Declan McLaughlin both had massive days at running back, said Lewis.
“Both players made great cuts due to excellent vision. They were able to see running lanes develop in front of them, thanks to excellent blocking.”
No. 69 Carson McKay was “a rock” on both the offensive and defensive lines.
“His strong and reliable play set up the rest of his teammates for success.”
No. 4 Truce Beaverbones and No. 1 Cruz Minde were “once again explosive game changers,” said Lewis. Both slot backs caught huge passes and converted on multiple passes.
This season, the Bantam Broncs have made a big show of their entrances, with smoke bombs and banners and with the help of their announcer Kelly McCheyenne and sponsor and town flags.
“Our game day was an absolute spectacle,” said Lewis.
The fireworks were donated by Rod Nagata with Fireworks Spectacular.
Lewis says they expect stiff competition from the Badgers, who are always a physical team.
“They love to hit and punish their opponents but so do we,” said Lewis. “It should make for an exciting game.”
The Broncs kickoff against the Badgers at 1 p.m. on Oct. 22, in Ponoka.
team.
Lewis said over 200 fans filled the stands for their game against Rocky and they’d like to see even more people come out to the semi-final match to cheer them on.
The playoffs are single elimination style, so they’ll need to beat the Badgers to advance to the finals. If they then qualify for provincials, it will be another first for a Bantam Broncs.
“We will then play do-or-die games against other teams that won their respective leagues.”
The three rounds for provincials will be held Nov. 5, 12 and 19.
Fundraising cards
Each year, the bantam and senior teams raise funds with a discount card fundraiser. They sell cards that have discounts and deals to various businesses around Ponoka.
The proceeds from selling the cards goes directly back into the teams, helping keep player fees low as well as creating funds for buses, team parties and more.
On Oct. 26, both the senior and bantam teams will spend an afternoon selling cards door-to-door for “Blitz Night,” to sell any remaining cards.