Call it redemption. Revenge. A measuring stick. Name it what you will, the Central Alberta Buccaneers made a statement with a 43-42 win over the Fort McMurray Monarchs in Alberta Football League action last weekend.
“It’s a huge win for the program culturally, and of course standings-wise, and to prove to our league and our counterparts in the Ontario league that we can compete on the big stage,” said Devon Hand, Bucs Head Coach.
The Monarchs were one of the top four teams in the nation last year, making it to the AFL final against the Calgary Gators. On their way the Monarchs pounded the Bucs 43-7 in the AFL semi-final. This win might take some of the sting out of that loss.
The win most certainly puts the Bucs on the radar of the rest of the league and the blip on the screen is a little bit bigger following the dramatic win but Hand put the victory in perspective. He says the Monarchs are still reeling in some respects with the fire which devastated the community. It meant last week’s game was played in Edmonton so the Monarchs travelled almost three times the distance than the Bucs to play a home game. A win is a win however.
“But those guys have two of the best running backs in the league and a lot of fire power,” said Hand.
This year’s edition of the Bucs has its own stockpile of high end weapons, starting with quarterback Brandon Leyh who was a star with Mount Alison University at the CIS level. Joining him on the roster are former CIS team mate, receiver Josh Blanchard, Bishops Gaiter wideout Major Newman and small but speedy receiver/returner Jamal Henry who starred in the tough Quebec CIS league with Concordia.
“I really believe that had he been trapped in a six foot one man’s body he’d be playing professional,” said Hand, referring to Henry. “He’s very polished, explosive. His football IQ is off the charts.”
All these players compliment an offence which has a different approach to the game this year it seems. In the past there were big plays made by the Bucs and this bunch can play that role but Hand says they are leaning more towards a team which can work the clock and sustain drives to control games.
He saw the control in the win Saturday and looks to continue to solidify that identity.
“The offence is doing all the heavy lifting right now. Traditionally it’s been the other way.”
Hand mentioned the culture aspect of this team , saying bringing in players who have won at high levels of football while helping to build programs is a key ingredient to the Bucs making a charge at a league title and more.
While the victory puts the Bucs at 2-0 Hand says there is still work to be done with his defence being the starting point right now.
“Well to be honest with you, because being the guy who runs the defence, it can only get better.”
He says he spent about six hours of pouring over video of the game to find where things went wrong fundamentally.
“There were so many schematic mistakes, guys in the wrong spot and things like that. Defensively we’re not anywhere near where we should be so we’re very fortunate the offence is scoring points because if they weren’t we would be 0-2.”
An area of concern for Hand is being able to keep his quarterback healthy. In the Fort McMurray game Leyh stood in there to make a play but the coach says he really took a pounding.
“He took some big licks so if we want this guy to stay upright and lead the way all season we have to do a better job of protecting him and we have to do a better job of executing the run on first down so we can lean on the ground game and take some pressure off him.”
Next up for the Bucs are the St. Albert Stars, Saturday June 11 at ME Global Athletic Field in Lacombe. Game time is 6 pm.
