Are You Ready for Some Football ?

By Kelly Sharp

College Heights Cougars poised for action

The chants grew louder and louder, “Cougars - Polars”. Two well armoured foes, all shapes and sizes, huddled on the sidelines. Welcome to high school football - Prince George style. Playoffs signal the first regular season of high school football since the early 1970’s is winding down in Prince George. No matter what team comes away with the playoff championship, football has once again become a prominent player on the Prince George high school sports scene.

An infusion of equipment - helmets, shoulder pads, pants, and mouth guards gave 180 students the opportunity to play football for their high school. The Prince George Minor Football Association scored a touchdown by lending the football gear. Participation continues to climb in the minor football program while the sport of controlled contact receives exposure at the secondary level.

“Our numbers have exploded,” PG Minor Football President Craig Briere said.

“We’ve gone from 120 to 600 minor football players.”

Briere takes extra satisfaction when watching the student who discovers football for the first time.

“Football is all inclusive, no matter the body type or skill set there is a position for you,” he said.

Kevin Barredo trots over to the sidelines well aware his first and only season of high school football is about to end. The grade twelve student does not exactly fit the mold of the volleyball or basketball player but he fits right into his role as a Polar lineman.

“I always wanted to try football and this season gave me opportunity,” Barredo said.

“I love the hitting.”

Football had meant soccer to Eric Sollman until this fall. The exchange student from Germany is quick to smile when assessing his experience as nose tackle for the College Heights Cougars.

“It’s a great team game,” said Sollman, who would like to try his hand at playing mens tackle football when returning to his home near Frankfurt.

In the meantime, Sollman and teammates have at least one more high school football game as College Heights will take on Duchess Park in the Prince George Bowl playoff championship game Friday  October 27.

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