Voyageurs Win Big, Royals Lose Huge, Lions Shutout Westlock

Image from Game Ready Photography 

The Bonnyville Voyageurs may not have had the benefit of any exhibition games, but that didn’t stop them from winning their season opener on the road in Wainwright on Friday.

The Voyageurs beat the Commandos 38-8, in a week that saw three blowouts in the Wheatland Football League.

Voyageurs coach Larry Godziuk said the team still has to clean up some execution issues, but was pleased with how the team played.

The Voyageurs home-opener is Friday against the Cold Lake Royals.

“Kelly [Johnson] gameplans well. So we’ll see what they bring.”

The Cold Lake Royals got popped in their home opener Friday 57-0 to the Holy Rosary Raiders.

Coach Kelly Johnson said his young team learned a lot by playing someone on that level.

“Holy Rosary definitely looked very good last night…they are a solid, solid team. They showed that last night. And we are going to aspire to be at that level, quicker rather than later,” said Johnson.

“We showed where we’re very young and lacking. A lot of aspects we need to coach up a little bit. Our goal is to get better every week, so we’re starting from there and working our way up.”

The Royals have 33 players on the roster, but only three Grade 12’s. Those younger players did get the added benefit of a preseason contest against M.E. LaZerte from Edmonton.

“We’re a very young team right now. We’ve got only Grade 12s, so we’re on the young end of things. We’re definitely in a bit of rebuilding year this year.

Johnson anticipates the Voyageurs to be tough, especially because of their quarterback, Silas Fagnan, who he calls a “phenomenal athlete.”

“This is probably the Voyageurs peak year. They have Silas [Fagnan] at quarterback. He’s probably one of the best quarterbacks in our league I would say the last couple years. We’re going to try and slow him down best we can. Hopefully, do our best that way.”

Kickoff is at 6pm.

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In the only other contest in the league last Friday, the St. Paul Lions beat the Westlock Thunderbirds 35-0 on the road.

They play at home on Friday against the Wainwright Commandos at 5pm.

The Holy Rosary Raiders have the bye.