The Central Alberta Buccaneers were out to make a statement with a 48-7 win over the Airdrie Irish in their home opener Saturday at Setters Place.
Tanner Olstad ran the opening kickoff 90-yards for a touchdown, which set the pace for the afternoon at Great Chief Park.
The home side scored five times in the opening quarter in the first 30 minutes.
“Last week I had some good returns and coach (Devon Hand) just told me to hit it full speed and that’s what I was thinking about when I caught it,” said Olstad, who had two touchdowns in the game.
It was a welcomed rebound for the Bucs after a 32-10 loss in their season opener against Fort McMurray.
“This week we just came prepared and knew what we wanted. … Last week was just getting off the rust,” said Olstad.
Quarterback Judah Knip threw for five touchdowns on the game.
“Judah was giving it to all our receivers and we were just making plays and our O-line was blocking great, it was just working,” Olstad said.
“They give you so many good balls. It’s just a blessing. All of us receivers are just trying to catch as many as you can because you get lots of opportunities.”
On the other side of the ball, the Bucs held the visitors scoreless in the first half and looked strong throughout the contest until the Irish cashed in a touchdown in the final minutes.
Preston Bailey caught two touchdowns and Josh Blanchard also had a TD catch for the Buccaneers. Knip also hit Ben Hnatiuk for an 80-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter.
Tylor Johannesson also had two field goals in the win for the Bucs.
The Bucs are back on the field next Saturday at home when they host the Lloydminster Vandals.
Email sports tips to Byron Hackett
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