Courtesy of VHS Coaches – For several years now, the Buccaneers have been pushing for a new nine-man league in Alaska to better fit small school’s football. Two years ago, the Buccaneers piloted the new format with half a season of 9-man games. The effort towards a 9-man format was finally rewarded this past spring when ASAA sanctioned the formation of a new league for small schools including Valdez, Eielson, Seward, Nikiski, and Monroe Catholic. While Monroe was unable to field a team this year, there has been interest expressed from other small schools that in years past have fielded football teams. The new 9-man league will hopefully help grow the sport in Alaska and provide for more competitive and exciting play. This year, all teams will play each other twice in a home-and-away setting, with a two-week playoff between the top three teams.
After a year-long hiatus from gridiron action, the Buccaneer football program was excited to play this weekend once again in a game with cross-sound rival Seward. While the Buccaneers lack experience they compensate with courage and enthusiasm.
The Bucs defense held strong against Seward during the first quarter forcing punts and causing turnovers. However, miscues against a tough Seward defense made it difficult to move the ball with regularity. After getting a half game of football experience under their belts, the Bucs began to be able to move the ball, ultimately scoring twice on long running plays from Andrew Baczuk and Ben Aldrich. Ultimately, however, the Seahawks took the first game of this season with a score of 41-14.
This coming week features another home game against the Eielson Ravens on Saturday at noon. We hope to see you there.