Skip to content

Local football teams advance to league finals

The football playoff action was hot in Bonnyville this past weekend. The Bandits and Renegades both won their semi-final match-ups, securing their spots in the finals.
44.sports.renegades004
Zayden Ward during one of his three touchdowns during the game.

The football playoff action was hot in Bonnyville this past weekend.


The Bandits and Renegades both won their semi-final match-ups, securing their spots in the finals.


Bandits sweep Wainwright


Their undefeated season landed the Bandits with the home field advantage during their face-off against the Wainwright Warhawks, which seemed to help them with their 64-22 victory.


“To play on this kind of a field is phenomenal,” explained head coach Mickey Fagnan. “We play all over the place, and we’re spoiled when we come home.”


 Duncan Critch on his way to the end zone. Duncan Critch on his way to the end zone.


On Saturday, Oct. 28, the home team hit the field with the same determination they had all season.


“All these players that we teach, we practice three times a week, and we practice at a 100 per cent level. Come game time, I’m not worried about the kind of effort we get because we always get tremendous effort out of our captains and coaching staff,” Fagnan detailed.


Player Darian Keewatin noted it was a good game regardless of some mistakes made on the field.


One of the stand outs during the game was Titus Fagnan, who had a strong showing when he stepped up to the line.


“To kick a 40-yard field goal at bantam level and almost hit a 45, I mean that’s incredible,” exclaimed coach Fagnan.


The game featured some of the team’s backups shining brightly. Player Duncan Critch said it was a good opportunity for them.


“There’s nothing like getting some good game experience in, especially on an actual opponent,” Critch explained.


The Bandits will spend the week preparing for the league final this upcoming weekend against the St. Paul Bengals.


“We’re going to watch some more game film, be prepared for something they’re going to pull out of the bag, they can see it coming, but, we’re going to come out firing 100 per cent, every rep. We’re going to be ready for whoever is in our way. We’ve played these kids all year long, and our kids are going to bring it,” Fagnan noted.


The Bandits face-off against the Bengals at Walsh Field on Saturday, Nov. 3. Kick-off is at 1 p.m.


Renegades beat Rams


The Renegades their rivals the Cold Lake Rams, and won a hard-fought battle 27-14.


On Sunday, Oct. 28, both teams came to play at Walsh Field during the semi-finals.


“What can I say? It was probably the most energetic, and out showing football game we had all year,” expressed head coach Josh Jubinville. “The kids came out awesome, Cold Lake came out awesome, kudos to them.”


The energy on the field was only matched by that of the players on the sidelines, which Jubinville factors to the end of the season quickly approaching.


“Our team has made a pretty big turn around here in the last couple of weeks. They’ve started to realize, all the graduating players, these are our last couple of games... The younger kids, they’re picking it up with the older kids and we’re going out there and playing a hell of a football game,” Jubinville explained.


Fullback Alex Maruniak scored a touch down and managed to get a couple of tackles.


“We started getting going once we got touch downs, and the rookies started getting pumped up. Everybody was getting ready,” Maruniak said.


Jubinville described the offensive line as awesome.


“They all had a hell of a football game, and we can’t ask for a better team,” he expressed.


Zayden Ward managed to get three touch downs for the Renegades, and said that the team’s focus and heart helped them win the game.


“(The touch downs) made me really happy, because I’m glad that I can put points on the board for the team.”


The Renegades will hit the field in Lloydminster on f Sunday, Nov. 4. Kick-off at 1 p.m.


The Bonnyville Voyageurs’ playoff season was cut short after they lost to the Lloydminster Barons 29-3 on Friday, Oct. 19.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks