Bonnyville Bandits empty the tank in Championship Final loss

It was a competitive season that came down to the final game for the Bonnyville Bandits, but it was not their day on Saturday. 

The Bonnyville Bandits lost 34-22 to the Lloydminster Red Dogs in the Wheatland Bantam Final capping off the year with a last second touchdown. 

“It’s tough but you know we played our hearts out. We tried our best. Ended off the game with a good touchdown. It’s a wonderful feeling at least being out there playing. Unfortunately we aren’t moving on, but it was fun,” said Bandits player Colby Thomas.

At halftime, Bonnyville trailed 20-9. In the second half, the Red Dogs forced a couple of turnovers, getting out to a 32-16 lead that they never looked back from.

Gabrielle Gratton got the opportunity to play a snap after breaking her foot earlier this season.

“My ankle held up really well. We taped it up and everything… I was just so happy. I had been waiting on the sidelines for the past three weeks and I’m so proud of my team and that I finally got to play again–on my birthday!” said Gratton.

Liam Critch said, “It was a good competition against them and they were really good. I’m gonna remember this team. I love them forever. This is probably the one time I’ll get to play with this team. We played this whole season and with only like 20 players.”

High school 

The St. Paul Lions fell 25-10 to the Lloyd Comp Barons in a semifinal Wheatland Football League match Friday. However, the Lions season is not over, as the team will be playing games in Tier IV Provincial Play downs. 

The Lions will host the Wainwright Commandos on Friday at 6PM at Regional Field. In their previous meeting this season back on September 17, the Lions shutout the Commandos 29-0.

In a quickly planned consolation game, the Cold Lake Royals beat the Bonnyville Voyageurs 40-22 for the second time this season. Bonnyville finishes going winless on the year. 

Peewee

The Bonnyville Renegades peewee season has come to an end. After clinching the fourth seeded playoff spot, the Renegades lost 37-0 to the Lloydminster Steelers. The Steelers will play Wainwright in the Final this weekend.

The Cold Lake Rams finished outside the playoffs.