In their first two seasons of existence the Bonnyville Renegades have improved in leaps and bounds.
This year, a season after falling short and losing a tough provincial championship game, the team will look to take another step forward.
“Honestly, if we are not playing for a league championship I will be disappointed,” said Head Coach Kevin Sartain. “I truly believe that we have what it takes to get there. I think we will be playing for a championship again.”
The Renegades 2014 season was a year to remember for many in Bonnyville, as the young team overcame several large deficits en route to a league title and a birth in the provincial championship.
This year many involved in the organization expect the team to keep improving and moving forward as a powerhouse in the Wheatland Football League.
“The group we have here, we don't have the size we had last year, but what we don't have in size we make up in might,” said Sartain.
“We have about 12 kids who hit really hard, for 12-year-olds they put their shoulder down and they hit hard.”
Training camp for the local peewee team kicked off early last week, with the squad of 47 players out on the field practicing four nights a week.
Plenty of starting spots are up for grabs during camp as the team is trying to adjust and move on after seeing 16 players from last years Championship team graduate to bantam.
A total of 17 newcomers have joined the fold and will play with a group of players, some of which are entering there third season as members of the Renegades.
“We have got Duncan Critch, John Neumann, Titus Fagnan and a couple other players who are some pretty tough kids,” said Sartain, who likes the way his roster is shaping up.
The experience and progress made by the Renegades during their first two seasons has allowed Sartain and the rest of the coaching staff to start expanding their playbook.
This year the normally run dependent offense is expected to mix in some passing plays – a rarity for peewee football.
“We have kids who know what a post route is, a ten and in route, slant routes,” said Sartain. “We also have two kids who are throwing 30-yard balls. They have to wind up to do it, but they are throwing them.”
Sartain really want to see the Renegades start mixing in some basic passing plays into the offense this year, in hopes it will spread the opposing defense out.
“We are really hoping to start passing this year. It opens up the defense. If we can pass then they have to worry about the pass and it opens up our run game.”
The Renegades first opportunity to test out their passing game will come on Sept. 13 when they travel to Lloydminster to take on the Colts.
Their first game at Walsh Field will come on Sept. 19 when they take on the Lloydminster Steelers.
Bonnyville will have extra incentive to repeat as league Champions. If the local squad makes it back to the provincial Championship game it will be hosted in town at Walsh Field.
