High school football doesn’t officially begin until fall, but the Iron Ridge Secondary Bisons are already laying the foundation for their inaugural season.
More than 30 players took part in spring camp from May 23 to 25 — the Blackfalds school’s first since announcing it would join league play this September. While spring sports commitments led to a slight dip from full registration, athletic director and head coach Joe McQuay said the camp achieved what it set out to do.
“We had over 30 sets of pads handed out, and we’ve got about 45 signed up overall, so that’s a healthy number for a first-year program,” McQuay said.
“We leaned on some of our more experienced guys from Lacombe, but there was a lot of learning for everyone — and a lot of energy.”
The camp focused on safety, positional fundamentals and installing both offensive and defensive systems. For many players, it was their first experience with full-contact football.
“We taught Safe Contact — how to safely hit, how to safely get hit,” said McQuay. “There was lots of competition, lots of teaching. You could tell this was a missing piece in the school and the community.”
Iron Ridge will open its fall training camp on Aug. 18, with its first game set for Sept. 4 against Lindsay Thurber at Great Chief Park in Red Deer. Until then, the team will continue with weight training and conditioning on campus.
The Bisons will join a competitive league that includes programs from Lacombe, Notre Dame, Hunting Hills, Lindsay Thurber, Camrose, Stettler and Sylvan Lake. Iron Ridge will field a full 12-a-side team.
“This spring was critical. It’s why we didn’t start a team right away,” McQuay said. “You need this time to get organized, build systems and set expectations.”
The team will play all games on the road this fall while construction continues on its home field.
McQuay, who also serves as commissioner of the league, said Iron Ridge’s entry is being welcomed across the board.
“It’s a first for us, but it’s a first for the league, too,” he said. “This is a boost, and the kids are ready.”
With information from Iron Ridge Secondary Campus.
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