On Saturday, July 6th, the Central Alberta Buccaneers battled their way to a win over the Calgary Wolfpack for the first time in twelve years. Since the team’s creation in 2002, the Bucs have been unable to best their Calgary rivals.
The Wolfpack travelled north to take on the (2-1) Bucs in order to vie for the number two position in the AFL. The Pack got off to a quick start and marched the ball steadily down to the Bucs’ endzone. Despite a slow start, the Bucs managed to bounce back. QB Byron Stearns was able to send pinpoint passes to his receivers. In particular, WR Matt Merkley was a favourite target of Stearns. The Pack’s secondary was unable to cover Merkley as he managed to haul in multiple passes for large offensive gains. FB Dylan Vanier was also an offensive threat. He bulldozed his way through multiple Pack defenders for yards, first downs, and a touchdown late in the second quarter. The Bucs finished the first half of the game in the lead, 17-7.
After halftime, the Bucs expanded their lead to 34-14. The Pack, however, showed why they are considered a perennial powerhouse when they narrowed the gap to 34-28. With two minutes left, the Buccaneer defense managed to stall three different Wolfpack offensive drives until, finally, the game was over. The Bucs finished victorious for the first time against the Calgary Wolfpack, 34-28.
The Bucs play the 2013 expansion team, the St. Albert Stars, next Saturday, July 13th, 6pm, at Lacombe’s MeGlobal Field. Both teams are (3-1) and are vying for the number two position in the AFL, as well as a quarter final bye in playoffs. This will be the Bucs last home game of the regular season; fans should expect a hard-hitting, entertaining game.
With files from Todd Lewis
(With files from Todd Lewis)
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