Central Alberta Bucs Update Week 3

Source: Todd Lewis

In a game with huge playoff implications, the Central Alberta Buccaneers came into their June 4th matchup against the Fort McMurray Monarchs with one goal – win. In the 2015 season, the Monarchs handed the Bucs two losses, one of which was a semi-finals exit from the playoffs. Those factors, combined with the black –and-blue style of both teams, were the perfect recipe for a hard-hitting, high-scoring slugfest.
Bucs kickoff crew is ready
The entire game, (that lasted well over three hours), “was a war,” said Ryan Miller, linebacker. “Fort Mac has a few dangerous weapons that can score on any play.” In addition to their high talent, the Monarchs are known for their size and physicality. “It was by far the most intense Bucs game I’ve played in my 7 years with the team,” added Tylor Johanesson, cornerback. Due to the aggressive playstyle of both teams, it wasn’t long before the flags hit the turf. Mental lapses and emotion got the better of both teams; “we shot ourselves in the foot with unnecessary penalties,” said Pierre Konan, o-lineman. “That needs to change.” In spite of the penalties, “it was one of the top 5 games [Pierre] has ever played in;” a claim that carries weight coming from an ex-McGill University ball player.
QB Brandon Leyh looks for favourite target%2c Josh Blanchard
The score see-sawed back and forth for the entirety of the game. As soon as one team appeared to have the edge, the other clawed their way back and took momentum. It came down to the final two minutes on a Buccaneer offensive drive. The pirate crew was on the Monarch’s 40-yard line on third down – it was do or die. Buc QB Brandon Leyh was blitzed from all directions. Somehow, he managed to spin his large frame out of the clutches of the Monarch defenders and fire a long pass to a wide-open receiver, Axsivier Lawrence. “My quarterback was definitely a standout. If you haven’t seen our last touchdown, please head to our facebook page and be amazed,” said Konan. After a botched two-point attempt, the score sat at 43-42, Bucs, with 1:40 left in the game. After forcing a failed field goal attempt from the Monarchs, the defense was able to hold the line for the remainder of the game, (the botched field goal was kicked back by the Bucs. Johanesson was able to cover the surprised Monarch returner). This victory not only bodes well for Buc playoff hopes, it also marks the first time they have bested the Monarchs. There are no remaining teams in the AFL that the pirates haven’t pillaged at one point.
Steven (Sonic) Adu run an offender out of bounds
The Bucs host the St. Albert Stars on June 11th (6pm) at Lacombe’s MEGlobal Athletic Park. The Buccaneers are dedicating their game to Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Central Alberta. Kids and mentors will be in attendance in order to watch the pirates in action. In order to find success in week three, Konan said “We need to stay positive and stay away from unnecessary penalties. We need to keep conquering cities like the good old Buccaneers.”
Tylor Johanesson makes an interception
For information regarding the Central Alberta Buccaneers, check out the team’s facebook page, follow @CABucs on twitter/Instagram, and visit www.cabucs.com.
Ryan Miller (23) and Nick Leonidakis (24) celebrate big win

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