The Bonnyville Amateur Football Association (BAFA) High School Voyageurs are moving on to the next round of the playoffs after a commanding 56–20 victory over Mill Woods at Walsh Field in Bonnyville.

With a three-touchdown performance from Connor Woods, timely defensive plays and an offence that found its rhythm, the Voyageurs delivered one of their strongest performances of the season when it mattered most.

After the win, Lakeland Connect’s Chad Colbourne caught up with Woods and offensive coordinator Miles Debler to discuss the victory and what comes next.

Woods Leads the Charge with Three Touchdowns

Connor Woods was a standout for Bonnyville, finding the end zone three times, including one receiving touchdown and two rushing scores.

For Woods, however, the biggest takeaway wasn’t his individual performance. It was how the entire team responded with its season on the line.

“This win means a lot to us. Puts us in a way better situation going into the playoffs,” Woods said.

“As for the team spirit, this is by far the best game start to finish we’ve played. We’ve been coming out flat last two games. We came out right from the first whistle today.”

Woods said the coaching staff’s message heading into the matchup was straightforward: start strong and physically dominate.

The Voyageurs answered that challenge, putting up 56 points in front of their home crowd.

Defence Creates Opportunities for Bonnyville’s Offence

While the final score reflected an impressive offensive showing, Debler credited the team’s defence with helping shift momentum.

The victory marked Debler’s first playoff win as an offensive coordinator.

“Feels good. No, we came out just a little flat in the first few drives, but to lock in, and the fellas really battled,” Debler said.

“And couple big plays on defence, we were able to capitalize on offence, so the kids came out and they were fired up after that.”

One of the game’s highlights came on a touchdown connection between the Voyageurs quarterback and Gabe Cole.

The play followed an interception on a screen pass, giving Bonnyville an opportunity to strike.

Debler explained that the offence lined up in an I-formation before using play-action to set up the touchdown pass, extending Bonnyville’s lead to three scores.

“That’s exactly the time you want to take advantage of stuff like that,” Debler explained.

Young Coaching Staff Finding Its Rhythm

The playoff victory also represents an important milestone for a coaching staff featuring several first-year coaches, including head coach Robbie.

Debler described the season as a learning experience for the group, with the coaches continuing to develop their approach as the competition intensifies.

“It’s a big learning experience, right?” he said. “We’re all kind of learning as it goes.”

Another advantage for the Voyageurs has been their depth at quarterback.

Debler said the decision about which quarterback takes the field is often situational, with both players communicating on the sidelines and understanding their responsibilities.

“It’s a good issue to have,” he said, adding that both quarterbacks have been executing their assignments.

The coaching staff is also encouraged by the team’s health heading into the next round. Debler said the Voyageurs have remained relatively healthy throughout the season, with only minor concerns, including an ankle issue for Eli.

Up Next: Ponoka or Wainwright

With their first playoff victory secured, the Voyageurs will now prepare to face either Ponoka or Wainwright.

According to Debler, the next opponent will determine where Bonnyville plays.

A matchup against Ponoka would keep the Voyageurs at home, while a meeting with Wainwright would send Bonnyville on the road.

A potential rematch with Wainwright would add a storyline after the two teams battled in a close regular-season contest. During the post-game coverage, Colbourne recalled a 33–30 loss to Wainwright, although that score was not independently confirmed.

Regardless of the opponent, Debler knows the Voyageurs cannot afford a slow start.

“We just have to come out strong in either game,” he said.

“We came out, both those games, we came out kind of flat and we had to battle back, but playoff game, we can’t come out flat.”

For now, the Voyageurs can celebrate a decisive home playoff victory and another opportunity to extend their season into November.

With 56 points on the board and confidence building, Bonnyville’s playoff run is officially underway.