The Bonnyville Renegades kicked off the Scott McDonald Memorial Day with a 46-6 drubbing of the Wainwright Guard Dogs.
The Renegades, who suffered a heart breaking loss at last year's Scott McDonald event, were extremely determined to pull out a victory on Saturday.
“This is our third year. We have never won the Scott McDonald and we finally did,” said an elated Kevin Sartain, head coach of the Renegades.
Many throughout the Bonnyville Amateur Football Assocaition talk about the Scott McDonald Memorial Day game like it is the Super Bowl. It is the most important game of the season for the majority of local players, who get to take the field in front of a large crowd.
“I am very happy. We have won a championship. We have gone to provincials. We have won the Scott McDonald. I am good,” said Sartain.
Bonnyville got off to a good start with their offense running on all cylinders. Miles Debler, Duncan Critch, Titus Fagnan and Izahia Sartain were all on the same page leading the Renegades attack down field.
By the end of the first quarter the home side had scored three touchdowns and lead 20-0.
“By about 12 minutes in we saw how this game was going to go,” said Sartain. “We were just too strong, too fast, too big for them. We dictated the game.”
Chad Lessard got in on the action in the third quarter running the ball in from a few yards out to put the Renegades up 27-0.
After a Critch touchdown made it 33-0, Lessard ran in for another score to put the game way out of reach.
As the game moved into the later stages the Renegades started to experiment with their passing game. It's the first season the peewee team has installed passing plays in their offense and Sartain is happy with what he has seen so far.
“We have Duncan Critch throwing long bombs and Miles Debler throwing little hitch passes,” said Sartain. “Parker Reed and Titus Fagnan are our best catchers. It is good. It is coming along very well.”
Wainwright scored a touchdown with 31 second left in the game to get on the board and spoil the Renegades shutout.
With the Scott McDonald Day win in the books, Sartain has his sights firmly set on another league championship.
“I have no doubt that we will be going to the Championship again this year. The way this team is playing I just can't see how that wouldn't happen.”
The Renegades will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Wainwright for a rematch with the Guard Dogs.
