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Bantam and peewee football coaches hopeful

With the football season in full swing, coaches for both Panthers and Cougars are hopeful for their teams this year.
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Peewees played against Terrapins of Drumheller in football jamboree earlier this year in June as the players got a taste of the game. Seen here is Peewee player Kaden Muhlbach running with the ball as he avoids getting tackled by Terrapin opponent.

With the football season in full swing, coaches for both Panthers and Cougars are hopeful for their teams this year.

"This season is going to be amazing," said Zeke Ryan, head coach for the peewee Panthers. "We have a great team again this year, we're going to be very competitive and have fun doing it."

Ryan said that the coaching staff have taught the boys a few plays that they are doing well with.

"So all in all, we're going to just let them do what they can do, play football and enjoy themselves," added Ryan. "We're all working together as one team."

Ryan is working with new coaches this season, with Kal Diegel as the offensive and defensive coordinator, Matt Kirk and Chad Ponto are guding offensive and defensive linebackers, Jamie Muhlbach is the offence coordinator with Vanessa Ruddock being the team manager.

Stettler Cougars coach Shirreff expects league title this yearStettler Cougars will be expected to play a disciplined game throughout the season as head coach Ernie Shirreff expects his players to put in their best efforts for all games.

"Expectations for the team are the same as any year – that they give an honest effort by practicing hard – trying to improve at the game of football and play a physical, aggressive style of football," said Shirreff. "We are a second year bantam team so we expect to be in contention for a league title."

Shirreff added that his team has decent speed at some key positions and good size, which would work to their advantage.

"The coaching staff is solid and experienced and we have had a good fall camp," said Shirreff.

The coaching staff will include Ernie Shirreff as the head coach, Grant McQuay as the offensive coordinator, Brian Matchett as the defensive coordinator, Desmond Ansorger as the line coach, Ty Page as the defensive back coach, while Curtis McCord and Gord LaRose will be assisting as well.

Stettler Cougars take on Ponoka in their first regular season game on Thursday, Sept. 8 in Ponoka at 6 p.m.

Correction: The original version of this story misspelled Ernie Shirreff's name.