After a few rebuilding seasons, the Vanier Vikings finally have a veteran football team.
That team will get an early test when they face the two-time defending Moose Jaw High School Football League champion Peacock Tornadoes.
“Sooner or later we have to meet this season,” said Vanier coach Doug Panko. “It poses a unique challenge early in the season. Peacock is always prepared and well-coached. They always have a veteran team, so we’ll certainly have to do our homework to be well-prepared.”
The Vikings and Tornadoes will meet today at 4:30 p.m. at Gutheridge FIeld. At the same time the Central Cyclones will travel to face the Estevan Elecs at 4:30 p.m.
Both teams played pre-season games to prepare for today’s opener. Peacock lost their exhibition game to Regina Campbell.
“Campbell is a pretty strong team,” said Peacock coach Blake Buettner. “I wouldn’t say it went great, but we got a chance to look at some guys in some different spots and . . . move some guys around.”
In their championship seasons, the Tornadoes had a lot of stability and it’s a sign of their turnover this off-season that they enter the season trying to fit their players into the right role.
“I don’t know if I’d label it as a rebuilding year, but it is a transition year,” said Buettner. “We’re moving some guys around and getting guys comfortable in spots. That’s what it’s all about right now — trying to find our niche with a lot of the kids . . . and getting them comfortable with the offence and defence we’re going to run.”
The Vikings travelled to Westlock, Alta. where they played a controlled scrimmage and made out well in a game where they didn’t keep score.
“That really helped with the preparation process,” said Panko who added that returning a lot of their players from last season also helped them have a successful pre-season.
“We’ve finally achieved a veteran team, having gone a couple of years with a lot of youth. That helps the process along the way,” said Panko.
For more please see Thursday's Times-Herald.
