The Central Alberta Buccaneers travelled to Shouldice field, June 16th, in order to clash against the Calgary Gators. Both teams were competing for their first win of the season. The sun was shining, allowing the fans to spectate the match unhindered.
The rivalry between the two teams has been fuelled by the close scores of past games. The matches were often decided by less than a touchdown. In regular season play in 2011, the Bucs managed to squeak out a win over the Gators when QB Byron Stearns scrambled across the corner goal line in a last second 2-point convert gamble, winning the game 30-29. The Bucs faced the Gators again that season in quarter finals, winning 35-30.
The Bucs started the game strong; the opening kickoff was carried by the wind and bounced through the Gator endzone, making the score 1-0. The Buccaneer defense allowed the Gators to drive down the field, but tightened up in the red zone. As a result, the Gators kicked a field goal, making the score 3-1.
The Buc offense was able to move the ball well against the Gators, but was unable to cross the goal line in the first half. Buccaneer Tylor Johnson split the uprights with a 34 yard field goal, putting the Bucs ahead 4-3. With barely a minute left before halftime, the Buccaneer offense hoped to finish a long drive with a deep pass. Instead, the Gator defense intercepted the ball, giving their offense a chance to score. With a hail-mary pass, the Gators managed to score deep on the Bucs, making the score 10-4.
Despite long drives in the third quarter, the Buc offense was still struggling to score on the Gator defense and was forced to punt the ball. The Gators took advantage and punched the ball into the Buc endzone, lengthening their lead to 17-4. In response, the Bucs went into hurry-up offense. With precision passing, the Bucs moved the ball down field and were quickly within scoring range. QB Byron Stearns found his receiver in the endzone, putting the Bucs back in the game at 17-11. With little time left, the Buccaneer defense played tight and forced the Gators to punt, giving the Buc offense a chance to win the game. However, the Bucs were unable to capitalize and gave up a turnover of downs. The Gators gave up a two point safety in order to run out the clock and win the game 17-13.
Buccaneer rookie corner, Mark Fay, had an outstanding game, managing to intercept two passes for almost 100 yards in return. Jordan Willie also made an interception, as well as recording 5.5 tackles.
The Bucs travel north to Edmonton June 23rd to take on the Stallions at Clarke field.
For updates about games and Buc info, fans should be sure to check out the Buccaneer website [url]www.cabucs.com, join the Bucs on Facebook and follow on Twitter @CABucs.
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