Every player did their part as the Bonnyville Bandits earned themselves a decisive 47-19 win over the Lloydminster Mustangs.
The Bandits put their perfect 3-0 record on the line against the Mustangs on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Walsh Field.
On offence, running backs Kelton McAuley, Darian Keewatin, and Duncan Critch all scored touchdowns with the help of a solid offensive line.
Defensively, the Bandits worked as a unit, repeatedly stopping the opposing team's offence in their tracks. Despite the score getting out of hand by the third quarter, the Bandits never changed their demeanor or approach.
“This was a tremendous team effort, the energy is through the roof. We really demand they don't get too high and don't get too low, that way we maintain our momentum. We've got a supercharged coaching crew and players that come to play the game,” said Bandits head coach Mickey Fagnan.
For the entirety of the game, the Bandits were ruthless on both sides of the ball. The defence worked tirelessly to give the offence favourable field position, and the offence repeatedly cashed in.
“I think our defence played really well, and opened up a lot for the offence. That's always great because it sets them up to punch it into the end zone,” said Vadin Vandenbossche defensive back for the Bandits.
That kind of teamwork has been a focus of the local team's coaching staff from the beginning, and the players have definitely bought in.
After contributing a couple of key interceptions to the defensively dominant performance, defensive back Parker Reed was quick to share the credit.
“I can't do anything that I do without the help of my defence. We have 12 playmakers on the field and we have to work together to make those big plays. It's not just one player, it's everyone,” said Reed.
The win brings the Bandits to 4-0, and sets them up for a showdown against the also undefeated Concordia St. Paul Golden Bears in the season finale.
Home field advantage throughout the playoffs will be on the line, as the Golden Bears invade Walsh Field on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.
Excited for the opportunity to claim first place, a confident Bandits group will look to show their opponents the importance of working as a cohesive unit.
“This is just our warmup. We're coming here to show St. Paul how to play football. No matter how they play, we're going to keep our penalties down, play as a team, and pound them into the ground,” said Reed.
