Blazers lose final but are still winners

The Buck Mountain Mustangs defeated the Bowden Blazers 72-30 in their Alberta Six-man League Tier II final on Nov. 26.

“They're tough because they have an offence that runs the ball very well,” said Blazers head coach Chris Grudeski.

“They run it through you. They kill the clock, which takes your offence off the field. Defensively, they like to send pressure and their guys make good tackles.”

With the loss came an end to the first football season at Bowden Grandview School in about 40 years.

But in the end, nobody seemed to care about the score.

As a first-year squad, Grudeski didn't expect to reach the finals. That they did was gravy.

Despite the cold, bleachers were filled with parents, teachers and students. Many of the younger children played in the snow as the game went on.

“What a great way to bring our school together,” said principal Jeff Thompson. “But also, the community of Bowden came together around them.”

The team's impact went beyond school walls, rallying the town in a way many had not seen before.

People, including those who did not have children enrolled in school, contributed monetarily or with their time to support the team. They cleared snow off the field, sold 50-50 tickets, volunteered to run the chains and donated money.

“I've never seen the community react like this,” Grudeski said. “I would say to be a part of something like this in 40 years, it's nice to have. It was an honour.”

For Reed Engman, Corbin Houchin and Ethan Anderson, three of the six seniors on the team, representing Bowden Grandview on the field helped transform the school's culture.

“The reaction from the school has been amazing and to be honest, the football team has really changed the way we think about school spirit,” said Anderson, offensive centre and defensive tackle.

“This has never happened with any other sport here in Bowden. It's awesome.”

Credit that to football's ability to build character, Thompson said, adding players have become community and school leaders.

Thompson also praised coaches for assembling the team.

“Chris is a very passionate educator and that really showed up in how he worked with the kids. He's got a talent with kids in general. The parent coaches and community coaches were also phenomenal. They spent countless hours out there,” he said.

“We certainly see there is enormous positive impact on both our school and town.”

Grudeski said most players are returning next year, including Chase Hanson.

Hanson, a Grade 10 linebacker, is hooked after playing football his first year.

“The game was new to us and we picked it up pretty fast. It was an enjoyable season. It's a shame we didn't win, but you can't win all the time.”

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