The 2013 Alberta Football League finish wasn’t what the Central Alberta Buccaneers were hoping for but it’s a good place to start this new season.

The Bucs dropped a 15-3 semi final game to St. Albert and Head Coach Duane Brown said the team needs build on the overwhelming lesson which was taught to them that day.

“You have to work for what you get and they worked so hard all year long and then we kind of rested on our laurels a little bit when we walked into the playoffs and we took things for granted and expected things to happen.”

One of the brightest spots in the Bucs 2013 year was the aggressive, relentless defense which took the field each night and Brown said the work is being put in to book end that with a similar offence.

“This year we are going with an offence that will build on fundamentals but will still be a fast paced, multi-formational, aggressive offence.”

One of the biggest changes to the Bucs offence will be the return of hard running tailback Kenton Polzer who lead the AFL in rushing a couple of years ago despite missing a third of the season due to injury.

“That is definitely a factor, so we have that true, breakaway, power running back that can change a game every time he touches the ball,” said Brown.

The change at running back allows receiver Jamie Blinkhorn, who gave a supreme effort at running back, to go back to where he is the most dangerous – running routes and catching footballs.

Brown said there will also be some graduates from local high school programs who will carry the ball as well but the focus for many a defence will be Polzer which should open up the Bucs effective passing game a little more.

Also helping the offence click will be another strong year from a slid o-line and Brown said there will be familiar faces on the line with potential for more help due to the fact there were some large bodies who turned out to the clubs AGM earlier this year.

The Bucs will hit the turf at ME Global Athletic Park in Lacombe April 22nd for practice, opening the season against perennial powerhouse the Calgary Wolfpack and will also feature a home game against the newest member of the AFL, the Fort McMurray Monarchs.

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