Two weeks of camp—and for some players, summer training—have led to tonight’s season opener for the Cochrane High Cobras.
The Cobras are in Chestermere to face the Lakers in the lone game of the night.
This season, the team moves up to 4A football, stepping into stiffer competition, though they’ve faced 4A schools before in Rocky View divisional play.
Sophomore quarterback Joe Stevenson trained hard over the summer, attending camps in B.C. and at the University of Alberta. Last year, as a grade 10 freshman, he led Cochrane to a dramatic divisional championship, ending a two-year run by the George McDougall Mustangs. The team also reached the provincial 3A final, losing to Lloydminster’s Holy Rosary Raiders.
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Stevenson has grown to 6'2" and nearly 175 pounds, and he’s confident heading into the new season.
"I think we have a really strong team right now," he said. "Feeling confident with a lot of the fellas."
That includes receiver Tyler Clazie, who returned as a national U18 champion, ending an 18-year drought for Team Alberta.
"He's a blow away," Stevenson said. "Definitely one of our best players. The bond we’ve been forming is really good, and we’ve been practising a lot."
Stevenson's goal is crystal clear: a shot at another provincial championship. Moving up to 4A won’t be easy, but the team already has experience competing for higher-level provincial titles.
"There’ll be more competition, but I think we’re ready as a team," Stevenson said. "I just want to make it to that game and win it."
Head coach Tom Knitter is fired up but cautious.
"The team's looking good, and we're excited to be back out here," he said. "Right now we’re focusing on each week and being the best we can be."
Fans can pack the stands for Cochrane’s home opener on Sept. 5 against the Bert Church Chargers.
TOMORROW: Excitement builds in Bow Valley Bobcats camp for Friday night season opener.
