(Facebook/ Central Alberta Buccaneers)

By Ian Gustafson

Big Goals

Central Alberta Buccaneers kick off season this Saturday

May 29, 2025 | 1:45 PM

Just days away from the start of the Central Alberta Buccaneers season, they’re optimistic about what they can accomplish.

Along with some new additions to the team, both on the roster and the coaching staff, they feel they’ll be strong on both sides of the football.

“It’s an exciting year,” said Buccaneers offensive lineman Cody Curry.

The Bucs’ are coming off a disappointing campaign last summer that saw them post a 1-5 record in the Alberta Football League (AFL) followed by an early playoff exit.

They were in a rebuilding phase but feel they have a core group of returning players in place that can turn things around.

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“They’re leading the way this year and really stepped up to the plate with their leadership, responsibilities, and portraying the image we’d like on the team,” he said. “That’s what a lot feedback we’ve got from the players is, it’s actually fun to play on our team.”

With roughly 25 returners and five new players, the Buccaneers will take on the Peace Country Cowboys on May 31 at the MEGlobal Athletic Park in Lacombe.

The new players include local players who’ve recently graduated high school and players from the two teams that unexpectedly folded this summer, the Edmonton Elite and Leduc Lightning.

“We really focused on our recruitment this year. I personally went out and we were hanging up posters around Red Deer and area,” he said.

“We even have a few guys who’ve never played football before so it’s fun to watch them fall in love with the game.”

Central Alberta will be led by new head coach Paul Jensen, who’s also the general manager of the club, along with a completely new coaching staff.

Former head coach Geoff Rambaut will still help out occasionally but had to depart from the program because of other obligations.

Following the home opener this weekend, the Bucs will head to Calgary to take on the Wolfpack on June 7.

They’ll then return home to face the Airdrie Irish June 14, followed by a matchup on the road against the Calgary Gators on June 21.

They’ll close out the regular season with a home game against the Cold Lake Fighter Jets. They were supposed to face the Leduc Lightning on July 5 but since the team folded the schedule hasn’t been updated.

Playoffs will begin on July 26.

“Our goal is to go all the way to the end. We’re going to play every game to the best of our ability and hopefully make it to the championship game,” Curry said.

Last year’s struggles were led by a fury of injuries. Some games they were down to just 19 players and had non-receivers playing the position on offence.

He explained that since 2021 when they won the league title, they’ve been rebuilding ever since because more than half the team left the next year.

However, led by quarterback Cam Albert, Curry believes they’re a very balanced team. In 2024, they were led by a strong defence they think will be even stronger this year.

“I’m really optimistic about our offence. We’ve got guys who can catch, run, and we’re blocking really well. Our defence is also working in some awesome stuff to stop whatever comes our way,” he added.

The Buccaneers are calling on anyone interested in playing football to contact them. Experience is an asset but not necessary.