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Bonnyville Bandits league champions

The Bonnyville Bandits are league champions. The bantam team won the Wheatland Football League Championship game 58-6 against the St. Paul Bengals on Satuday, Nov. 3 at Walsh Field.
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The Bonnyville Bandits claimed first place in the league after defeating St. Paul over the weekend.

The Bonnyville Bandits are league champions.


The bantam team won the Wheatland Football League Championship game 58-6 against the St. Paul Bengals on Satuday, Nov. 3 at Walsh Field.


“The boys really reacted, they really came to the table to play right from the first snap of the ball,” expressed head coach Mickey Fagnan.


After last year’s loss against St. Paul, the Bandits were determined to have the outcome go in their favour this time around.


“After last year, going 6-0 undefeated (in the season), and then getting defeated in overtime, it was a learning experience. St. Paul has excellent coaches, very seasoned and experienced. There’s always something up their sleeve... We’ve tried to eliminate those mistakes (from last year) so we didn’t have any issues,” Fagnan said.


 Darian Keewatin runs with the ball.Darian Keewatin runs with the ball.


Bandit Noah Watchmaker, who made a punt return touchdown, felt the team improved from their previous performance.


“(The game) was perfect, it was better than last year’s... The weather (made a difference), because last year was so cold and that played a big part. Today, the sun started coming out,” he said.


Every player hit the field during the championship match, showcasing their determination and what they’ve learned throughout the season.


“We had a couple of kids who never played football before play the field and carry the ball. I can’t say enough about the atmosphere we have, and the energy that’s there,” Fagnan said.


Player Logan Church said the team came together defensively, which shined through during the game.


“What really stood out was our defence, and how it’s improved over the games. We’ve had some mix-ups, with the numbers and how many people are on the field, but, we really handled that in the last week of practices,” he noted.


Fagnan described some of the plays that unfolded as high-calibre “NFL-style.”


He added, it gave the team the edge that they needed to solidify a win.


A surprising touchdown from Duncan Critch also kept the team ahead in the game.


“It was a blitz, a middle line backer blitz... As he got through the line, the lineman let him right past and he took the ball right out of the quarterback’s hands. He ran down the field for a touchdown,” Church exclaimed.


The home team dominated throughout the game, preventing the Bengals from getting onto the scoreboard until the end.


“We we didn’t let them score until the fourth quarter, and a couple of minutes left. You can’t generally ask any more (than that),” expressed player Colby Ives.


The Bandits turn their sights to the Northern Finals Championship this upcoming weekend against the Grande Prairie Broncos.


“I’m looking forward to next weekend, we’ve got a week of practice to get ready... They’re a high scoring team. I have no idea what we’re up against, but we’re going to be prepared for another tough game. We’ve had tough opposition, we’ve got more coming,” Fagnan detailed.


The Bandits face-off against the Grande Prairie Broncos on Friday, Nov. 9 at Walsh Field. Kick-off is 5 p.m.

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