School doesn’t start for another week, but class is back in session for the Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) Mohawks Football team.
The squad began practicing last week, as they begin preparations for a brand-new season that kicks off in less than two weeks.
Head Coach Eric Anderson is eager for the new campaign to begin, noting that this year’s edition of the Mohawk football team will be a youthful athletic group.
“We got a good group of guys, we’re a little bit younger on paper this year, we got a large group of Grade 10’s, a smaller group of Grade 12’s than we’ve traditionally had, but that’s all good, we got a lot of leadership, a lot of skill, so we’re looking forward to it.
During the off-season, the Mohawks football head coach said the players managed to keep their gridiron skills sharp.
“We had quite a few guys, attend quite a few camps.” Some of the camps players participated during the off-season included Sask. First Camps, University of Saskatchewan Huskies camp and Regina Thunder. He also pointed out that players kept active by playing in other sports which helps translate to football.
One message that Anderson has conveyed to the group is that each starting position must be earned over the next couple of weeks, but he believes the team contains plenty of depth. He noted that some players will be counted on to play on both sides of the ball.
“We got a lot of strengths, we got Grade 12 running backs, wide receivers that are going to make a significant difference out there, we got linemen who know what they’re doing, I think we’re plenty rounded.”
Overall, Anderson expects the roster size for the Mohawks to be between 40-50 players. He added that so far, they only had a pair of Grade 9 players attend practices. He said any Grade 9 student of HCI is welcome to become a member of the team.
Even though a win is always nice, Anderson hopes the football players are instilled with skills that can help them off the field as well.
“Our number goal is always to build a culture with these guys, they’re going to be successful long-term in their lives, if we can do that, then winning will come with it.”
A notable change to the Mohawks this season is the addition of Kindersley to their conference. Previously, Kindersley has been playing in six-man football. The league will remain at four teams with Foam Lake dropping out. The remaining two teams are Delisle and North Battleford’s John Paul II.
The 2024 season opener for the Mohawks will be on Friday, September 6, when they host Kindersley at Glenn Hall Park.
Another highlight of the team’s schedule will be two weeks later when they host Delisle on Friday, September 20 in their night game, that will also serve as the team’s salute to their alumni.
Playoffs will begin on Saturday, October 26 and will continue until a provincial champion is crowned on Saturday, November 9.