Normally they have to wait until the "fifth quarter", but on Saturday in Rosetown the junior football squads for Kindersley Composite School, Delisle Composite School, and Rosetown Central High School will have the field to themselves during a special jamboree.
After watching their seniors go through two weeks of the season the younger players will have a chance to show what they have learned. Four teams in total will be on the field, two Rosetown Royals squads joining one set of Kindersley Kobras and Delisle Rebels.
Head football coach in Rosetown, Mitch Wintonyk, says it will be a simple setup on Saturday.
"Playing six-aside. Kind of shootout style, 40 yards, go about 7-10 plays."
It will have the feel of a gameday without the added pressure, and for many kids will be the first chance to play at game speed and hit somebody in a different coloured jersey this season.
"It's used as a development time more than a game. Kids keep score and it's competitive, but it's a good opportunity for them to learn, and coaches to coach; it's more like a controlled scrimmage really."
It's an especially popular day for teams with large rosters. While they might not be able to get on the field over a senior, the jamboree is a perfect showcase for talent.
"It's always fun getting to work with the kids who might not be starting but need to get some playing time too and learn. I really enjoy them."
As you can see above, for even more extra reps in 2025 the Royals will be teaming up with the Kindersley Kobras for another two "Junior Varsity" exhibitions.
Wintonyk and Kindersley head coach Derek Walde agreed on the set of games with both squads having an eager junior team. Both teams will consist of students in Grades 9 and 10, some 11, for a chance to refine their skills before possibly getting into a big game.
Wintonyk says that the whole team practices together until the juniors split off for team time, allowing younger players to carve out some solid reps before they compete and earn their keep while doing it.
"One thing we always tell the parents and kids, is that if you work hard at practice,commit, we are going to find you playing time. It's not always the same, doesn't always look the same, but we will ensure that you get to play, compete, and show us what you got."
The jamboree will consist of three, one-hour games taking place two at a time on either side of the field. Saturday's games start at 10:00 AM with Rosetown Red facing Delisle, and Rosetown Black against Kindersley, continuing at 11:00 AM with Rosetown Red versus Kindersley, and Rosetown Black against Delisle, before 12:00 PM's games pit Kindersley versus Delisle, and Red against Black.