Parkland’s DEFENCE stole the headlines in game two after travelling to Olds to play the host Calgary Gators. And what a steal it was! Eight interceptions, 4 of which went for major scores totally 201 return yardage! The final score was 51 – 23 for the Panthers. LB Eddie Shepel led the way with 2 INT and 2 TDs; DB Danny Rice had 2 picks, one TD; DB Colton Nickurak also had 2 picks, one of which was an 82 yd interception return, and DB Derek Gervais had 1 INT and 1 TD and DB Nathan Reid accounted for the final theft. The D also came up with 3 QB sacks; LB Alex Poratto had 2 on this day.

Big Woz (K Steve Wozimirsky) had a big day too! He and his counterpart for the Gators, Ian Hewitt, put on quite a kicking display for anyone who appreciates this special talent. Woz averaged 50.3 yds on 6 towering punts, the longest travelling 61 yds. Field position is so important to the game of football and Woz got us out of trouble when our offence was backed up in our own end. Also on Special Teams, DB Tim Hordo had a big day returning kick offs and punts picking up 153 all purpose yards.

Parkland’s Offence scored 3 majors; REC Quin Waterman and REC Colton Nickurak each with a TD pass from QB Jordie Holton who finished the day 7 /10 and 98 yds. On the ground, RB Jason Loosemore blew through a big hole in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring with a 35 yd TD run.

Next up for the Panthers, the defending National Champion Calgary Wolfpack come to town Saturday, June 20th. Kick-off for this exciting match up will be 7:00pm at West District Park in Spruce Grove.

Last night, in a well played matchup with the Lloyminster Vandals, the Parkland Boys couldn’t hold onto a 20-7 lead going in the fourth quarter. The Vandals capitalized on the only turnover the Panthers surrendered, but it turned out to be a costly one. The Vandals were able to cap off a long drive with another major score in the dying moments of the game and break the hearts of the Parkland faithful. Return specialist Rob Derman opened the scoring in the first quarter with an electrifying 125 yd touchdown return on a missed field goal attempt by the Vandals. Lloyminster tied the game shortly after to make it 7-7 after one quarter. Big Woz added two field goals by in the second quarter to lift Parkland to a  13-7 lead at the half.  QB Jordie Holton capped a long drive in the third quarter with a TD strike to WR Adam Cottrell to put the Panthers up 20-7 at the end of the third quarter.

The Panthers are now 2 wins and 2 losses going into the mid season break. There will be no practices next week, but the Defence will meet for a BBQ and break down game videos at Coach Scott’s home Tuesday night, June 30^th, and likewise the Offence will meet at Craig Carr’s home. Next up for the Panthers is the Edmonton Seahawks, Saturday, July 11^th at West District Park in Spruce Grove. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.

RB Craig Carr runs for positive yardage in a 36 – 14 win over the Edmonton Seahawks last night at West District Park in Spruce Grove. The Panther’s offence ignited with over 350 yards in the first half. QB Jordie Holton led the charge with 8/10 passing for 201 yards; 2 TDs, 0 INT en route to a 31 – 0 half time lead. WR Adam Cottrell had a big night with 6 receptions for 134 yards / 1 TD and SB Sean Brown was wide open on the other 37 yd TD reception from QB Jordie Holton. In the second half, the Panthers were able to give their back up QBs lots of work.  QB Tim Hordo was successful in his debut going 5/7 for 74 yds, 0 TDs, 0 INT, scrambling for another 25 yards on 4 carries.

Defensively, DB Danny Rice had an outstanding game with 6 solo tackles, including 1 for a loss, and 4 KDs. LB Brandon Lewis was another stand out with 2 solos, 6 assists and shared in a tackle for a loss and a QB sack. DL Brad Chamberlain was stellar on the Dline, with 2 solos, 1 tackle for a loss, 3 assists, 1.5 QB sacks and a forced fumble!

Return specialist SB Rob Derman had another brilliant game for the Panthers picking up 106 yards on two punt returns, including an exciting 85 yd TD return. Kicker Steve Wozimirsky was perfect on the night converting 4 TDs and adding two field goals. The victory lifted the Panther record to 3 wins and 2 losses as they now get ready for an important match up with the 3/2 Edmonton Stallions next Saturday night at West District Park in Spruce Grove. Kick off is at 7:00pm.

The Parkland Panthers closed out the regular season in the AFL yesterday at West District Park in Spruce Grove shutting out the Edmonton Seahawks 45 – 0. The game was exactly what the club needed to get themselves ready for the playoffs. QB Jordie Holton threw 5 TD passes; neatly spreading the ball around to his receivers: WR Adam Cottrell 2TDs, SB Sean Brown, SB Quin Waterman and WR Colton William each with 1 TD catch. RB Haeedar Azooz rushed 1 yd on his first carry in the AFL for the other touchdown. Kicker Steve Wosimirsky converted all 6 majors and added a 37 yd field goal to round out the scoring. Defensively, the Panthers had little trouble handling the Seahawks offence. DB Eddie Shepel led the charge with 3 solos, 2 assists and 1 INT. DL Garnett Schommer had 1 solo, 2 assists, shared a tackle for a loss and forced a fumble. DL Bernie Huedepohl earned a fumble recovery on the play.

The Panthers finished the 2009 season with a 4 – 3 – 1 record and now take on the 5 – 3 Edmonton Stallions in the Quarter Finals next Saturday, August 15th at 6:30pm on Clarke Field.

The City of Spruce Grove and the Parkland community got their first exposure to senior football and the Alberta Football League on Saturday night under the lights of the new West District Park...and it was a resounding success! The perennial powerhouse Calgary Wolfpack came out on top 25-23, but the new kids on the block, the Parkland Panthers, playing in their first ever AFL game achieved their main goal; that they compete with the best teams in this league. Kudos to both teams for an excellent display of hard hitting football, big plays and great sportsmanship.

A swarming Panther defence was led by Danny Rice and Derek Gervais with 7.5 tackles each. Danny also picked up a key fumble recovery as did Alex Paretto. Kevin Hanson added a timely interception return for 25 yds. Sean Van der Linden was the offensive leader with an impressive debut as a Fly Back and kick return specialist gaining an impressive 170 all purpose yards and a rushing TD. Josh Myshak made his presence felt picking up 74 yds on 11 carries including 2 rushing TDs.. QB Jordie Holton looked sharp in his debut with the Panthers going 13 for 21 for 198 yds passing. Shaun Blanchette was his favourite target with 5 receptions for 85 yds and Jason Weatherald picked up 70 yds with 3 receptions.

Next up for the Panthers is the Red Deer Buccaneers this Saturday night at 7:00pm at West District Park. The Bucs are pumped after their upset win over the Calgary Gators in Week One. So you can bet this will be another barn burner with the Panthers hungry for their first win!

 PANTHERS GRIND DOWN THE BUCS

The Parkland Panthers picked up their first ever win in the AFL, shutting down the visiting Red Deer Buccaneers 29-8 Saturday night at the new West District Park in Spruce Grove. RB Josh Myshak powered a potent Panther ground game picking up 146yds on 15 carries and 2 rushing TDs! The Oline dominated the Bucs front four and the Panther’s signature “Fly” offence racked up an impressive 312yds along the ground! Through the air, QB Jordie Holton went 12/19 for 179yds, 2 Int, 0 TDs. Slotback Adam Cottrell was the leading receiver with 2 receptions for 59yds, as Jordie spread the ball around to five different receivers. Adam also inspired with some devastating blocks as the offensive accumulated an impressive 491yds against a decent and determined Buccaneer defensive squad.

The Panther Defensive unit continues to impress with their speed and quickness; swarming the ball carrier at every opportunity. DT Brad Chamberlain and DT Dustin Apsassin shut down the Bucs inside running game and along with DE Alex Poratto constantly pressured their veteran QB, Josh Achtemichuk. LB Jason Bobst had his backers filling fast and furiously and the DBs led by Derek Gervais and Justin Kowalewsky supported the run stop very aggressively. Aside from a giving up a big play, the pass coverage was tight and Chris Godreau picked up his first interception!

On Special teams the Panthers continue to cover downfield extremely well and kicker Steve Wozimirsky gave Parkland great field position all game with his strong leg. Steve converted all four panther touchdowns and added a single point on a wide field goal attempt. Offensive Tackle Tyler Stroud alertly pounced on a loose ball in the end zone to record his first ever touchdown to round out the scoring for the Panthers. Next week is a bye week for the club and the Parkland Panthers will resume action on Saturday July 5^th at Clarke Park against the Edmonton Seahawks; kickoff is at 2:00pm.

 PANTHERS SHUT OUT SEAHAWKS FOR 2ND WIN

The Parkland Panthers came into Clarke Park to take on the Edmonton Seahawks Saturday night and came away with a convincing 44 – 0 win. The running game impressed with Josh Myshak picking up 113 yds on 11 carries averaging 10 yds a carry. Meanwhile running mate Jason Loosemore ran 8 times for 53 yds and a TD. “Fly” back Rob Derman chipped in with another 29 yds and a TD and the Panther Oline helped rack up a total of 239 yds rushing. Through the air, QB Jordie Holton was 7 for 10 for 139 yds, 1 INT, 2 TDs. Jason Weatherald came in relief at QB in the third quarter and finished 4 for 7 for 73 yds, 0 INTs and 1 TD. As a receiver, Jason also hauled in a 10 yd TD pass from Jordie in the first quarter. WR Shaun Blanchette led the air attack with 3 receptions for 86 yds and Adam Cottrell and Scott Imeson each added passing TDs.

On special teams, kicker Steve Wosimirsky continued to pound the ball downfield giving the Panthers great field position and added 4 converts, 1 rouge and 1 field goal. Defensively, DB Bill Cummins made his debut as a Panther, picking up a 48 yd interception return for a TD in the first quarter. Safety Derek Gervais also had an interception return for 28yds and DB Scott Pratt and LB Neil Parker had two other Panther picks. Leading tackler for the Panthers was LB Brandon Lewis with 7 solo tackles and 4 assists, and DT Brad Chamberlain and DT Dustin Apsassin completely shut down the Seahawks inside running game; Brad also recorded the Panther’s first QB sack! DL Kyle Daechel added a key fumble recovery in the third quarter to help keep the Seahawks off the scoreboard.

Next up for the Panthers at home is the Calgary Gators on Saturday July 12^th at 7:00pm. The Panthers are now 2 wins and 1 loss and the Gators are 2 wins and 2 losses. The Gators are fresh off a big win over the Edmonton Stallions and with their recent roster additions, will be a huge test for the Parkland boys!

The Parkland Panthers are on a roll, picking up their third straight win 42-35 over the Calgary Gators Saturday night in Spruce Grove. The victory gives the surprising Panthers a 3 way tie for first place in the AFL along with the Calgary Wolfpack and Edmonton Stallions at 3 Wins and 1 Loss. The powerful running attack of the Panthers had another banner night as the Oline opened up huge holes and feature backs Josh Myshak and Jason Loosemore had a field day. Josh picked up 152 yds and 3TDs and Jason scrambled another 149 yds including a 46 yd TD run. “Fly” backs Rob Derman and Sean Van Der Linden balanced the attack and helped the offence gain an impressive 408 yards along the ground!  QB Jordie Holton was 4/7 through the air for 92 yds including a 45 yd TD strike to SB Adam Cottrell.

The Panthers travel to Grande Prairie Saturday, July 19^th to face a potent Driller offence led by QB Nathan Aldred. The Drillers will likely be favoured to win at home, as they are top contenders with 2 Wins and 1 Loss. But the Parkland boys will be up for the challenge! Game time is 7:00 pm at Legion

The expansion Parkland Panther Football Club erased any doubt about how they would perform on the road with a convincing 44 – 22 win over a very good Driller team at Legion Field in Grande Prairie.

The Panther ball control style of offence dominated time of possession with 71 plays; 54 carries /368 yds along the ground and 17 pass attempts /184 yds totalling 552 yds! As a result, the Panther defence was fresh and fiercely attacked the Driller offence, led by QB Nathan Aldred, all night long.

D Tackles Brad Chamberlain and Dustin Apsassin led the assault up the middle recording 2 sacks and numerous hurries which helped the backs with 7 batted balls and 2 turnovers. LB Jason Bobst continued to make his presence felt leading the defence and special teams with 1 forced fumble, 5 solo tackles and 2 assists.

 RB Josh Myshak was once again the offensive leader with 28 carries for a whopping 190 yds and 2 TDs! RB Adam Cottrell chipped in with 11 carries for 91 yds and ended up with an impressive 229 all purpose yds! QB Jordie Holton had an efficient night going 12/17 for 184yds, 2TDs, 1 INT, 0 Fumbles, 0 Sacks.

Other scoring for the Panthers came from kicker Steve Wozimirsky who went 3/3 on field goals and added 5 converts for 14 points. Amazingly, this was the first game in Steve’s career that he was not called upon to punt the ball on third down! SB Quin Waterman caught his first TD pass and SB Rob Derman added another passing TD; LB Alex Paretto scooped up a loose ball on a botched Driller punt attempt and rambled 34 yards for another Panther TD in the second half.

Up next for the Parkland boys is the Vandals as they travel to Lloydminster next Saturday, July 26^th, to clash with yet another top AFL team.

Game time is 3:00pm at Armstrong Field.

The Parkland Panthers did not bring their A game to Lloyminster; and as a result lost their second game of the season 38 -17  to a solid and well prepared Vandals team. The Panthers got behind on the first play of the game, when the Vandals returned the opening kickoff, and it went downhill from there. Six costly turnovers pretty much tells the tale, although the Panthers did have a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Both Panther RBs rushed for over 100 yards; Jason Loosemore with 127yds / 13 carries, and Josh Myshak 113yds /15 carries. QB Jordie Holton did not have his best day going 6/13 for 103yds 1TD 0 Sacs 5 INT. Defensively, LB Jason Bobst once again led the Panther attack recording 6 solo tackles and 1 assist. On special teams, K Steve Wozimirsky was 1/3 in field goals, and boomed a towering 89 yd punt! SB Adam Cottrell and RB Josh Myshak scored the majors for the Panthers and SB Quin Waterman had the most all purpose yards; 112yds. The Panthers will now enjoy a much needed 2 week break and begin preparing for the last game of the season with the Edmonton Stallions at West District Park in Spruce Grove, Sunday, August 17^th at 7:00pm.

The Parkland Panthers Football Club finished their season with 5 wins and 2 losses in their first year in the AFL with a convincing 27 – 10 win over the Edmonton Stallions at West District Park in Spruce Grove. The victory earned the Panthers an impressive third place finish and the right to host the quarter final play off game against the same Stallions team, who finished in sixth place, next Sunday, August 24th at 5:00pm.

The game started out with a big loss when the Panther’s star running back, Josh Myshak went down early in the first quarter. The Panther offence kept the ground assault moving however, and still managed to grind out over 200 yds against one of the better defences in the league. RB Jason Loosemore led the ground game with 93 yds on 14 carries. QB Jordie Holton was good on 5 / 9 passes for 112 yds and 2TDs, 0 INT, 1 Sack. Scoring for the Panthers was SB Quin Waterman, who was wide open on a 41 yd pass and run TD, and WR Shaun Blanchette hauled in a brilliant 16 yd pass in the end zone. RB Jason Loosemore ran in the other touchdown from the 3 yard line. Kicker Steve Wozimirsky converted all 3 TDs, kicked a 33 yd field goal, and boomed a 67 yd single. The Stallions conceded a 2 point safety to round out the scoring.

Defensively, the Panthers were led by CB Dan Rice with 9 solo tackles, 1 assist and 1 knock down. LB Alex Paretto also inspired the D with 7 solo tackles, 1 Sack and 1 Tackle for a loss. The Panther Defence pretty much kept the Stallions out of scoring range until late in the game thanks to great pressure up front and excellent open field tackling. It was a great team win for the Panthers who showed great heart and discipline in a very spirited and hard hitting game. The Panthers will build on this win as they prepare for the re-match with the Stallions next Sunday.

The Parkland Panthers bowed out in the first round of the playoffs on Sunday, losing the rematch to the Edmonton Stallions 27 -12, which was almost a complete reversal of the result from the week before. This brings a sudden conclusion to a remarkable first season in the AFL for the Panthers. The offence simply couldn’t get it done, the defence battled valiantly and Woz (Steve Wozimirsky) had to punt the ball more than once or twice for first time all season! His towering kicks gave the Panthers much needed field position, but in the end, the day belonged to the defending champions, and the Stallions deserve full credit for their win.

The Panthers are already talking about next year, and with their core of returning players and numerous key recruits that have already expressed interest in joining the team, they have every right to be optimistic about raising the bar next year. Well done Parkland. Congratulations on a winning season!