Four Cochrane-area football players are suiting up for the South squad in Football Alberta’s Senior Bowl all-star tilt on the May long weekend.
Cochrane High School Cobras Bryce McKinnon, Josh Gingrich-Hadley and Logan Blair all made the grade, as did Springbank Community High School Phoenix Kevin Natenstedt.
Cobras head coach and offensive coordinator Rob McNab and Cobras defensive coordinator Bruce O’Neil are both coaching the South team, which tackles the North at the Senior Bowl.
The 24th annual all-star game is for graduating high school football players.
“These are top-notch players,” McNab asserts. “You can move so swiftly with these kids and give them a lot of information. This is like a college game. These kids are ready to go.
“These are the best of the best in Alberta.”
McKinnon, an offensive and defensive lineman with the Cobras, is slated to play defensive line at the Senior Bowl. It’s the position he’ll play when he joins the University of Regina Rams in the fall.
“I’m looking for some leadership from him, first and foremost,” McNab said of McKinnon. “I know he can play because I’ve been with him for the last three years. The big thing will be the leadership and if he can get the troops riled up for the big game.”
Gingrich-Hadley played primarily as a blocking back for the Cobras, and was particularly productive running the ball right at the Rundle College Cobras in this year’s playoffs. The kid brings a load.
“I’m very, very pleased for Josh. He is a kid with a revved-up engine, that’s for sure. Very, very tough to bring down. He’s intelligent. He’ll do well in this game for sure. He’ll go in there, and that’s exactly what the expectations are: bring the load. Get the tough yards.”
Blair, a Cobras defensive back, has great speed and can break to the ball.
“Logan’s a competitor,” McNab assessed. “He’s played well for us the last three years, obviously. He’ll do well. He’s very athletic.”
Natenstedt was a primary target for Phoenix quarterback Levi Jackson this season at Springbank. The lanky receiver was equally a deep threat and catch-and-run killer all season, helping Springbank get to Zone playoffs.
Players will be practising through the May long weekend before playing in the Senior Bowl against the North (schools north of Red Deer) on May 20, noon kickoff, at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.
