The best season in Bonnyville Bandits history came to an end Saturday, and it wasn't the finish they were hoping for.
After coming off a winless season in 2010, the Bandits bounced back with a third place finish in the 2011 regular season, before winning five straight playoff games, including a win over the Lloydminster Mustangs Nov. 5, for Bonnyville's first ever Wheatland Football League title. They followed that with a win over the Spruce Grove Cougars Nov. 12, to claim the Northern Alberta Provincial title.
But when it came time for the provincial final against the Cochrane Lions Nov. 19, the storybook season came to a tough end, with the Lions taking the title by a score of 14-10.
Hundred of fans braved the frigid temperatures at Walsh Field Saturday in support of their beloved Bandits, but it wasn't enough, as the Bandits could not get their offence going in the brutal weather conditions.
“Our boys gave it their all. We asked for it and they gave it to us,” said Bandits head coach Dan Jubinville. “We are so proud of our boys and our team and the entire community for the season we just had. We didn't win this last one, but we still came out champions.”
Saturday's provincial final came down to a defensive battle, with the passing games of both squads stifled by the sub-zero temperatures.
The game appeared to be headed to halftime on a scoreless note, but just as time was running out, Bandits quarterback Gregory Godziuk tucked the ball under his arm and ran 40 yards to the Lions 10-yard line. As the clock ticked down the Bandits put three points on the board, kicking a short field goal.
The Lions responded late in the third quarter with a touchdown, making it 7-3 heading into the final frame.
With seven minutes to go, Jubinville took a timeout and urged his players on.
“We're right there boys. Let's go out there and get one!”
On the very next Bandits possession, facing third down with 10 yards to go, the Bandits got one for their coach, as the offensive line opened up a huge hole for running back Maverick Best, who took the ball and ran it in for the 50-yard TD.
The Bandits' celebrations though were quickly muted, as Cochrane responded with a rushing TD of its own with just three minutes to go.
The Bandits defence came up big one last time, making a huge stop and turning the ball over to the offence for one last chance with just over a minute to go.
However, the Bandits offence could not make it work and the Lions held on for the win and provincial championship.
“We put up whatever offence we could and our defence came up big at times, but today we were beat by the better team. You have to hand it to the Lions for their great season,” Jubinville added.
Like they do after every game, the Bandits treated their opponent to a home-cooked meal after the game. Both coaches congratulated the players from each team for the amazing seasons they enjoyed.
“We were both winless teams last season,” explained Cochrane's head coach Jeff Avery. “It's amazing to see where these kids have come in the last two years.”
Avery said, “I can't say enough about our boys. They played their hearts out and beat a really strong team. The Bandits were undoubtedly the toughest team we faced all season. I am really proud of the way our team came through.”
Avery commended the hospitality shown by the Bandits and the team's many volunteers.
“This is amazing treatment. This town shows absolute first-class,” he said. “We know it's hard to keep a positive attitude after a loss, but we have been shown nothing but respect in our time here.”
The Lions coach noted the play of Best and Godziuk in the provincial final, saying despite the weather conditions, they were two of the better players he has seen this season.
The emotion from the loss could be seen in the faces of many of the Bandits' players, but for the most part they were able to hold their heads high, looking back on a remarkable season.
“We had a great season,” said Godziuk. “Considering the season we had last year, we really came together and did our best this year.”
Godziuk noted the linemen on the Bandits and their exceptional play this past season that largely goes unnoticed.
“They are the guys who are in the trenches, always pushing forward. They are always there for us, making every play happen,” Godziuk said.
Being with the team since its inception four seasons ago, offensive coach Marc Bergquist was emotional when talking about the progress the entire team, including players, coaches, parents and volunteers have made to get where they are now.
“This is amazing to see what we have done this season. From last season, to our first win this season over the Mustangs, our boys have grown so much and have gained so much confidence,” he explained.
Bergquist said the team has come together physically and emotionally, like a family.
“These guys are all part of my life forever. We are all a family here. We win together and lose together,” he said.
“It's a special thing we had this season. To come together and be there for each other and become champions, There's no other word to describe it but family.”
Jubinville and his team thanked all the parents, volunteers and fans for all the support throughout the extended season.
Jubinville said, “We're looking to do it all over again next year.”
