The Central Alberta Buccaneers lost their first regular season game in more than a year on Saturday night in Lacombe, falling 28-7 to the Calgary Gators.

Calgary scored four touchdowns in the first half, securing a 26-0 lead. The Gators would later add a safety.

The lone Buccaneers touchdown came in the third quarter from defensive back Mark Fay, who recovered a fumble before leaping into the Gators endzone.

Despite the final score, Bucs head coach Fred Knip was pleased with his team’s effort, especially after halftime.

“We didn’t give up. We didn’t quit. Yeah, we were down 28-0. But you know, we came back, we scored another one, then we had a couple drives,” Knip said.

“So if we eliminate the oopsies, then you know, I think it would’ve been a different game.” 

The Calgary Gators scored four touchdowns in the first half against the Buccaneers. It was all the offence they needed. 

After scoring more than 100 points through their first two games, the Bucs offence sputtered.

Knip credited the Gators defence.

“They closed the gaps really quick. We thought maybe we could run, do a little play action, but boy they fill those gaps so fast. They were faster players and by the time we were able to roll out … it was closed,” he said.

With the loss, the Bucs fall to a 2-1 record. They won’t see action until June 24, when they host the defending AFL champions, the Fort McMurray Monarchs, in a rematch of the 2016 final. 

Buccaneers receiver Axsivier Lawrence is tackled by a Calgary Gators player on June 10 in Lacombe.