The Central Alberta Buccaneers can hardly wait for Saturday afternoon.
For the first time in six years the Bucs will host an Alberta Football League playoff game when they face the Calgary Gators in a quarter-final contest at 1 p.m. at MEAthletic Park in Lacombe.
“We couldn’t be more excited,” said the Bucs acting GM Corey Pusey. “It’s our biggest game of the season and we expect to put on a good show.”
That’s one of the reasons the game was moved to the afternoon.
“It allowed us to have everyone available, plus it gives the fans a chance to come out and still get to see the C FL games that night.”
The Bucs should be healthy, according to Pusey.
“We’ve had some time off and it gave everyone a chance to return. There’s still a few bumps and bruises, but we should be OK.”
One of the key players, returning from a toe injury, is the team’s leading running back Kenton Poelzer.
“Having him back changes our offence,” said Pusey. “He’s someone who has to be watched and with him in the lineup our offence should be able to move the ball consistently and keep it for longer periods of time, which helps the defence.”
The Bucs defence struggled early in the season against the Calgary Wolfpack and the Lloydminster Vandals, two of the best passing teams in the league. But of late that part of their game has been considerably better.
“Those first two games were a wake up call for us,” said Pusey. “They have tough quarterbacks and we weren’t ready to play against that calibre. But it was good for us. We’ve been much better of late.”
The Bucs beat the Gators in their regular season meeting, which gives them some confidence.
“We know them and it’s a matter of playing our game.”
The winner will face undefeated Grande Prairie in the semifinals.
“We’d like another shot at them,” said Pusey. “And this time have more than 22 players.”
The Buccaneer lost 71-0 at Grande Prairie wile playing shorthanded late in the season.