(By: Serina Taylor)

On Oct. 26, the Rocky Jr. Rebels Peewee football team travelled to Setters Place at Great Chief Park in Red Deer to square off against the Stettler Panthers.

The two clubs were facing off in the ‘C Championship’ semi-finals, with the winner advancing to the Nov. 2 final. 

After going down 8-0 early, the Rebels responded in a big way, with a Kyler Velichka 65-yard kickoff return touchdown.

The always dependable field goal kicker, Rowan Fraser, nailed the 2-point conversion to tie the game 8-8.

The back and forth continued in the first quarter, with the Panthers once again taking a 16-8 lead.

Quick to respond, the Rebels evened the score on a 20-yard touchdown reception to RB Brock Laroque.

Little did they know, the Rebels were just getting started.

The sixteen points that the Panthers scored in the first quarter would be all they could manage, with the tenacious Rebels defence locking down their offence, continually turning over the ball and getting big stops.

The collective Rebels defence, lead by LB Richard Oko, LB Bryson Fehr, DB Kyler Velichka, and LB Crewe Brower put together their best performance of the year.

The Rebels offence lead by second year Peewee QB Grayson Nichol capitalized on the opportunities the defence provided them.

Nichol found a special connection with WR Ayden Wandler, with the duo connecting on 4 receiving touchdowns during the game.

TD throw and runs of 50, 40, 20, and 8 yards were enough for the Rebels to earn the win.

Like the defence, the Rebels offensive line had their best game of the year, providing the protection for the QB to WR touchdowns to happen.

Final score: Rebels 44 – Panthers 16. 

Rocky Peewee Jr. Rebels vs. Stettler Panthers Oct. 26, 2024 at Setters Place in Red Deer. (Serina Taylor/Rocky Minor Football Association)

The Rocky Jr. Rebels Peewee football team has come a long ways since the opening days of Spring Camp in May.

After a total of 42 practices, five Spring Jamboree exhibition games, six league games, and two playoff games, the Rebels have come full circle.

The Rocky Jr. Rebels Peewee team will be hosting the ‘C Championship’ game against the Ponoka Broncs – the team it faced in the very first regular season game months ago.

Rocky and District Minor Football invites all community members to come out on Saturday, Nov. 2 to cheer on the Rebels on as they look to finish the year on a high note.

Kickoff is at 6 p.m. at Curtis Field under the lights.