AFL: Buccaneers bow out in semi-final action

The Buccaneers started off strong. The offense was able to string numerous long drives together. These offensive pushes allowed the defense a chance to catch its breath. When on the field, the defense repeatedly forced the Drillers to punt, giving the Bucs offense another chance to score. With both halves of the team contributing, the Bucs played a strong game of football.

With a full O-line, the Bucs’ passing game was greatly improved from regular season play. On numerous occasions, QB Byron Sterns was able to complete deep passes to his receivers. The Driller defense recognized this deep threat and adjusted their defense accordingly. This adjustment gave RB’s Jordan Hare and Jamie Blinkhorn space to run, allowing them to gain yardage.

The Drillers’ offense was unable to move the ball against the Bucs in the first quarter and, as a result, was unable to score until the second quarter. Veteran Buc, Dave Henderson, was a beast on the field; he put pressure on the QB as well contain the RB’s. LB and team captain, Curtis Dreger, made his presence known when he made a huge sack late in the first. With advantageous field position from a punt, the Drillers put themselves  within scoring range of the Bucs’ endzone. On two separate occasions, the Bucs managed to hold the 10 yard line, forcing the Drillers to settle for field goals. Going into halftime, the Bucs led 17-14.

The Drillers managed to reload during halftime and started the second half strong. Showing their offensive capabilities, Grande Prairie scored three unanswered touchdowns on the Bucs. The Buc’s offense was unable to score until the fourth quarter.

Despite being behind by more than three touchdowns, the Bucs continued to play hard in the fourth quarter. After the offense made a grinding push down field, Bucs WR/C, Tylor Johnson, caught a deep pass in the Drillers’ endzone. With the point difference narrowed, the Bucs hoped to comeback in the few minutes that remained. The Bucs managed to recover their own kickoff, putting their offense back out onto the field. After Stearns completed a deep pass to SB Marc Bartolf, SB/RB Jamie Blinkhorn punched the ball past the goal line. The next kickoff was, again, recovered by the Bucs. Hopes of a last minute comeback were shattered when the officials called the Buccaneers offside. The Drillers ran out the remaining time on the clock. Regardless of their gutsy last-minute effort, the Buccaneers lost with a score of 44-34.
Despite losing, the Buccaneers are proud of their performance. They never gave up fighting and made Grande Prairie earn every inch and yard. The Bucs are now looking forward and are starting to recruit new players in hopes of claiming the 2013 championship.

The Buccaneers thank all their fans!! Their continued support encourages and motivates the Bucs to keep plundering football fields all over Alberta!

For updates about games and Buc info, fans should be sure to check out the Buccaneer website www.cabucs.com, join the Bucs on Facebook and follow on Twitter @CABucs.