The Cochrane Cobras and Bow Valley Bobcats football teams have season openers tonight in back-to-back games on their respective home fields.
The Cobras host the Chestermere Lakers in the 4 p.m. game and the Bobcats face the defending champion George McDougall Mustangs on the SLS Legacy Sports Field at 7.
Last night, the Bert Church Chargers won 13-6 against the Springbank Phoenix in the first game of Rocky View season.
The Bobcats have continued to build upon a foundation they have established over the last few seasons. They returned to practice two weeks ago with a 48-player roster, the largest in the program's history.
Head coach Dustin Paul says they are expecting even more players upon the return to classes next week.
"I would say we're probably looking better than any time than I can remember historically," says Paul, who is a Bobcat alumnus. "I'm excited for this year."
They'll be getting a true test in their first outing against the Mustangs, who have won the divisional championship for the last two seasons.
The Cobras won the Tier 2 southern Alberta championship last season to advance to the ASAA championship game last season against Edmonton's Austin O'Brien Crusaders
Rocky View play continues until the Oct. 26 divisional championship game. It's followed by regional qualifiers for the ASAA championship.