The Elecs are set to kick off their season with a home opener on Saturday against the Greenall Griffins.
The team has been preparing diligently during the preseason. Last Friday, the Elecs travelled to Regina to face Regina O’Neil. Head coach Chris Bayerle praised the strong relationship between the teams post-COVID, which has facilitated valuable exhibition games.
“We had a great go with them, first quarter scrimmage, and then the remainder of the game was full exhibition game time, and we walked away with a great preseason win,” Bayerle said.
He emphasized the importance of the preseason for rookies gaining experience at the high school level. “Every team typically has really strong players in grades 11 and 12. So it’s great that not only the coaching staff get out there and prove what we’ve been doing preseason, but also for the kids to get their feet wet and get a sense of what the season’s about to bring. It’s a really great experience for everybody.”
To celebrate the start of the season, the Elecs will host a BBQ on Friday, September 6, starting at 5 p.m. “It’s the first one we’ve ever done. It’s a welcoming event for parents of players and potential players, giving them a chance to see the team, our new renovations, what we’ve been doing in the offseason, and what the field looks like,” Bayerle said.
The home opener will follow on Saturday against the Greenall Griffins, a new addition to the league from the Regina Balgonie Division. Bayerle noted that the extensive preseason work is paying off, despite some late additions to the team and players adjusting to their school schedules.
“All the offseason training and mentoring and coaching has been paying off for everybody right now, so we’re trying to keep on that path,” he said. “We’re really looking to get out there and compete against a team that has been a strong competitor at our provincial level.”
With around 42 players, including a significant number of Grade 12 students, Bayerle noted an increase in numbers this year. “Last year, we were starting to decline a little bit, unexpectedly, but with the new direction the team has taken, we’ve had a lot of hype. We’ve done a lot of marketing and barbecuing and engaging with the public differently this offseason. So, we’ve seen that’s reaped benefits at every level.”
Players are still welcome to join as the team aims to fill all available spots. “What we’re really looking to do this year is make a statement and play some competitive football,” Bayerle said.
“Come out and support the kids. We’ve got a great parent group and a strong community backing us, and we’re really looking forward to what the fans will bring.”