The Bonnyville Renegades will get another shot at capturing a provincial peewee football title.
The Renegades toughed their way to an 18-12 road victory over the Lloydminster Colts on Sunday afternoon to win their second straight league Championship.
“It is an unbelievable feeling. We as coaches couldn't be happier or prouder,” said Head Coach Kevin Sartain. “All of these kids just didn't quit. They really wanted it.”
This year marked the third straight season the Renegades marched their way to the league championship game.
In 2013, the organizations first year of existence, Bonnyville lost to a more experienced Lloydminster squad.
Last year the Renegades beat the Lloydminster Steelers 26-20 before getting outmatched by Sylvan Lake in the provincial final.
“Last year we had a really good team but we leaned on about five or six kids a lot,” said Sartain. “This year we are not leaning on just five or six kids. The whole team just seems to come together and make it happen.”
While many kids on the roster stepped up and propelled the Renegades to the victory, the coach was impressed with the play of Duncan Critch.
“That kid defined the term stepping up,” said Sartain of Critch. “He tackled, blocked, ran the ball. He did everything.”
The coach was also in awe of the heart his players showed throughout the entire game.
“We had (Riley Debler) injure his achilles tendon and he taped it up and continued through the game. These kids just didn't quit,” said Sartain.
Bonnyville busted out to a 12-0 lead on Sunday before surrendering a touchdown and seeing their lead cut in half.
The Renegades bounced back and scored another TD of their own to pull out in front 18-6 heading into the final quarter.
A big 50-yard touchdown run brought Lloydminster back within one score, but that was as close as the Renegades defense would let them get.
“Our defense just stoned them. It was grit, guts and glory and they just came out huge,” said Sartain.
Bonnyville will host the Red Deer Steelers next Saturday at Walsh Field in the Provincial final.
The Renegades will hope to bounce back from a 46-0 loss in last years provincial final.
