The Peace River Pioneers are preparing for the playoffs in the Alberta High School 9-a-Side Football League. Above, Peace River Pioneer player Jacob Nousek (No. 1) runs into the end zone for a touchdown as he passes High Prairie Renegade player Diegan Willier (No. 21) in the season opener Sept. 11.
(Peace River) – High school football is back on the field as the Peace River Pioneers head into the playoffs as the defending champions in the Alberta High School 9-a-Side Football League.
The season resumes after being suspended Oct. 6 when the Alberta Teachers’ Association went on strike before teachers and students were back in class Oct. 29.
Peace River plays at home Nov. 15 against the Millwoods Christian Royals, the team the Pioneers shut out 56-0 in an exhibition game Oct. 3 in Edmonton.
“We are just excited to be able to play and finish our season, especially our Grade 12 players,” head coach Mark Owens says.
“They are thrilled that we may get to have the opportunity to defend our provincial title.”
While the game against Millwoods was lopsided, he predicts a tougher game.
“We expect strong competition in provin- cials, starting with Millwoods,” Owens says.
“We beat them in an exhibition game, but playoffs are a different story – teams will bring their A games.”
The team that wins faces the winner of the game between the Valleyview Cougars and the Wainwright Commandos.
League semifinals are scheduled for Nov. 22 with the provincial championship final set for Nov. 28 in Edmonton.
Unbeaten in three games in the regular season, the Pioneers were ranked No. 1 in the 9-a- side league in the last rankings released Sept. 28. The Bonnyville Voyageurs were ranked No. 2 followed by No. 3. Wainwright, the No. 4 Ponoka Broncos and No. 5 Millwoods.
Owens says the Pioneers started practices Oct. 29 and were planning an exhibition game for Nov. 8 in Peace River.
Richard Froese
South Peace News