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Bucs offence stymied in home loss to Gators

Jun 12, 2017 | 8:47 AM

LACOMBE – After scoring 102 points through their first two games, the Central Alberta Buccaneers offence hit a brick wall on Saturday.

The Bucs were bitten 28-7 by the Calgary Gators Saturday night at MEGlobal Athletic Park. It’s their first regular season loss since 2015.

The lone touchdown for the Buccaneers came off of a third quarter fumble recovery by defensive back Mark Fay.

Calgary scored four first half touchdowns on their way to the convincing victory.

Bucs coach Fred Knip chose to focus on the positives following the loss.

“We made a couple of mistakes in the first half that cost us the game. That was my fault,” he said. “However, the boys showed incredible resilience, endurance, and assurance. Once they had their feet on the ground they moved forward with great confidence.”

Knip gave kudos to the Gators, calling them a well-oiled machine. He feels, though, outscoring them 7-2 in the second half shows the Buccaneers are capable of playing well against them.

“The game taught us several things. We need to be better prepared at a higher level. We were off marginally in a few areas. The margin of error was slight, but it was costly. If we take away a couple of mistakes then I think it would have been a much different game.”

Knip says eliminating little mistakes like dropped balls, fumbles and high snaps will be emphasized heading into their next game versus the defending national champion Fort McMurray Monarchs (Saturday, June 24 at MEGlobal Athletic Park).

“That game will be another opportunity for us to learn. I am looking forward to coming back stronger against our northern opponents with the attitude that we can only get better from our mishap,” he commented. “I know we can compete and I looking forward to that chance.”

In other week three Alberta Football League action:

– The Monarchs shutout the Calgary Wolfpack 51-0

– Lloydminster Vandals beat the Grande Prairie Drillers 21-10.

– The Airdrie Irish downed the Parkland Predators 28-8