Scott MacDonald Memorial sees football and community collide

A Bonnyville football tradition returns on Saturday to Walsh Field to raise money in the fight against cancer.

The 13th annual Scott MacDonald Memorial is an action packed day on the gridiron with atom flag football beginning at 11:00am, the peewee Renegades hosting the Cold Lake Rams at 2:00pm, and the Bonnyville Bandits squaring off versus the Wainwright Warhawks at 4:00pm.

The Voyageurs (0-1) high school team also welcomes a Wainwright opponent in the Commandos (0-1) at 7:30pm.

MacDonald is a former Voyageur who in 2010 passed away at the age of 19 after a fight with cancer. The following year, his teammate wanted to do something in his honour, which created the first Voyageurs game under the lights.

From there, it has launched a multi-year fundraiser and scholarship fund, to help the Stollery Children’s hospital, Haying in the 30s, the Bonnyville Hospital, and numerous warriors fighting their own battles with cancer. 

At the halftime of each game, there are head shaving events from each Bonnyville football team, a highlight of the day’s festivities. The pregame for the Renegades will feature the Premier Academy Cheerleaders with a performance.

There will be a test set up with silent auction items donated by local businesses.

Wheatland Football League

On the field, the Voyageurs will look to rebound after a 39-10 loss to the St. Paul Lions last Friday.

The Bandits are coming off of an impressive win 45-6 over the Cold Lake Ravens.

In other Wheatland Football League action, the St. Paul Lions will travel to the Border City to play the Lloyd Comp Barons.

It’s also the Cold Lake Royals home opener, who will take on the vaunted Holy Rosary Raiders at 7:00pm on Friday night at Thomas Varghese Field.