The Cochrane Peewee Lions have less than two weeks until its regular season begins, but its head coach says he is confident the players will be ready in time for kickoff on Aug. 28.
Lions coach Jeff Avery had his first look at the upcoming opposition during the Calgary and Area football jamboree at Shouldice Park, Aug. 14, and said he is optimistic about how his team looks going into this year’s season.
“I’m expecting us to be a team that will battle for a provincial spot,” Avery said.
“That’s what I’d like to see. Last year, we had a really rookie team, so we’ve got a lot of veterans this year and I think that maturity level is really big for us.”
Avery said the strength of the team lies in its offence and his aggressive play calling, something he hopes will help propel them this season.
“You don’t see a lot of teams pass nearly as much as we do, but we’ve got great receivers and a great quarterback,” he said.
“We’re going to air it out and will hopefully catch a few teams sleeping that way.”
The most important element of Peewee-level football, Avery says, is adapting to the game itself.
Once the 11 and 12 year olds get comfortable with football, then he can teach them more complex plays and the intricacies of the sport.
“Learning the game, learning to appreciate the game and learning how to hit are the three biggest things for the first-year kids,” he said.
“For the second-year kids, my job is basically to get them ready for the next level, which is Bantam. If I’ve done that, I’ve done my job and if I can see these guys loving this game, then it’s all worthwhile.”
The Lions will continue preparation during the next 10 days, including practices and a final exhibition game.
“We’re going to be ready and really take a run at this league,” Avery said.
“I’m looking forward to the season.”
The Lions will play its first regular season game against the Calgary Hilltoppers Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. at Shouldice Park in Calgary.
