The High School Football season starts this Friday, right before the school year gets underway. Fall Camp has been in full swing for all three Moose Jaw teams for the last week or so.
We will be highlighting how each squad's camp has been going and what's to come for this season.
Central Collegiate Cyclones
The Central Collegiate Cyclones begin their football season this Friday in Regina with a matchup against Balgonie at Leibel Field. After a condensed training camp due to an early start, the team is shifting focus to game prep.
“We’re impressed with the work our players put in during the offseason,” said Head Coach Colin Belsher. “We’ve got a veteran group and strong leadership returning.”
As defending city champions, the Cyclones are focused but humble. “We break our season into three goals: be the best team in Moose Jaw, reach the league final, and win provincials,” Belsher explained. “There’s added pressure this year, but we’re ready.”
The Cyclones are welcoming new players throughout the season and are fundraising through a new app-based platform offering discounts for supporters.
As defending city champs, the Cyclones aim to repeat last year’s success and make a deeper run at provincials.
Friday, August 29 - 7:00 PM @ Leibel Field, Balgonie vs. MJ Central
Friday, September 5 - 7:00 PM @ Gutheridge Field, MJ Central vs. Estevan
Saturday, September 13 - 1:00 PM @ Gutheridge Field, MJ Central vs. Swift Current
Friday, September 19 - 7:00 PM @ Yorkton Regional, Yorkton Regional vs. MJ Central
Saturday, October 4 - 1:00 PM @ Gutheridge Field, MJ Central vs. MJ Peacock
Saturday, October 11- 12:00 PM @ Weyburn, Weyburn vs. MJ Central
Peacock Collegiate Tornadoes
The Peacock Collegiate Tornadoes kick off their football season Saturday against Yorkton at Gutheridge Field. Camp began last Wednesday, and Head Coach Bert Redstone says the team is already showing strong potential.
“We got started last week on Wednesday, and we're continuing on this week. So 3:30 to 5:30 every day here now,” said Redstone.
“Coaches are excited. We got a lot of grade 12, which is great, but also got lucky with a lot of really good experience Grade nines coming in, so good balance on the team,” he added.
After finishing fifth last season and winning the second-tier title, the Tornadoes are aiming to return to the top playoff bracket. “You always see the kids, you wanna win your last game, and that's always our goal going in,” Redstone said. “Hopefully with the crew we've got, we've got a lot of talented players coming back.”
Fundraising is underway through their Gold Card discount program, which is available to players or can be purchased through the school office.
With six regular-season games and playoffs ahead, the Tornadoes are diving straight into competition. “This season, it's straight to business.”
Saturday, August 30 – 1:00 PM @ Gutheridge Field, MJ Peacock vs. Yorkton Regional
Friday, September 5 – 4:00 PM @ Swift Current, Swift Current vs. MJ Peacock
Friday, September 19 – 4:00 PM @ Gutheridge Field, MJ Peacock vs. Balgonie
Saturday, September 27 – 1:00 PM @ Gutheridge Field, MJ Peacock vs. Weyburn
Saturday, October 4 – 1:00 PM @ Gutheridge Field, MJ Central vs. MJ Peacock
Saturday, October 11 – 4:30 PM @ Estevan, Estevan vs. MJ Peacock
Vanier Collegiate Vikings
The Vanier Collegiate Vikings are preparing for a promising football season under second-year Head Coach Luke Tkatchuk.
“It was my first season taking over the program. Then we went three and two. Not the best, but there's always room for improvement, and we're hoping to improve this year,” said Tkatchuk.
Camp began August 25 and runs through to their exhibition game in Fort Qu’Appelle on September 5. The regular season kicks off with a bye in Week 1, followed by their home opener on Friday, September 19 at 7:00 PM against Fort Qu’Appelle at Elks Field.
“There are definitely negatives and positives,” Tkatchuk said of the delayed start. “You get a little bit more time to scout the other teams, but you want to get the ball rolling.”
Fundraising efforts will include a community discount card campaign. “It’s a little bit different from last year, but yeah, we'll be out in the community,” said Tkatchuk.
With a focused mindset and a balanced roster, the Vikings are looking to make a strong push toward the postseason.
Friday, September 19 – 4:00 PM @ Elks Athletic Field, MJ Vanier vs. Fort Qu'Appelle
Friday, September 26 – 4:00 PM @ Lumsden, Lumsden vs. MJ Vanier
Friday, October 3 – 4:00 PM @ Elks Athletic Field (Moose Jaw), MJ Vanier vs. Indian Head
Friday, October 10 – 4:00 PM @ Shaunavon, Shaunavon vs. MJ Vanier