(Lesley Jean Photography)

By Sheldon Spackman

Down, Set, Hut!

Central Alberta Buccaneers ready for some smash mouth football

Jun 3, 2022 | 5:06 PM

The Central Alberta Buccaneers are set to kick-off the 2022 Alberta Football League (AFL) season in Airdrie against the Irish this weekend.

Kick-off is 2:30 p.m. at Genesis Place on Saturday, June 4, 2022.

AFL Champions in 2021, Bucs receiver Josh Thomas says last year’s accomplishment was the culmination of 13 seasons leading up to the championship title.

“A lot of that core group had really been there 13-15 plus years. We had some CFL calibre guys and admittedly, we did lose a few of those guys this year. So credit to that team, I had the privilege of being a part of that team and learning from those guys, so we’re not trying to be that team. However, we feel good about what we have.”

Thomas notes that some of that core group of players are back again this year, and are aware of some of the “chatter” going on around the league that might be underestimating the Bucs this season.

no flag or crosswalk requests received

Didsbury citizens' group vehemently opposed to proposed 'Public Spaces Neutrality Bylaw'

9h ago

makin' stuff up!

Thurber improv team wins regionals, will head to Ottawa

10h ago

travel occurred march 10

Measles exposure reportedly travelled from Calgary to Red Deer, Edmonton and Grande Prairie

10h ago

“We’re happy with what we have on both sides of the ball. We have a great young quarterback (Rookie, Brett Bylsma) who is extremely precise. He can make any throw on the field,” says Thomas. “We have a good group of receivers who love working with each other, and a really solid O-line and D-line and we’re really happy with the DB core that we have. We’re ready to go into Airdrie and compete.”

With a mixture of veteran leaders and some new talent in 2022, Thomas says the Bucs are gelling together nicely.

“This group is growing in its own way and very closely,” he explains. “Guys are having a lot of fun together, guys are having a lot of fun learning, guys are having a lot of fun getting better and we really want to give our best effort for each other.”

“I would say this team is close, it’s together, it’s building quickly,” adds Thomas. “It’s that same togetherness that kind of lead to a championship last season. We’re going to come ready to play.”

For more information on the Buccaneers schedule and other team information, visit cabucs.com.