A pair of Paul Kane High School football players huddled up with others from across Alberta this week in preparation for a major national tournament.
The Football Canada Cup, which showcases the best U18 players from across the country, kicks off today in Lethbridge as the hosts from Team Alberta take on the defending champions, Team Saskatchewan. Lining up at defensive back for Alberta will be two St. Albert products — Nathan Mitchell and Brandon Jennings.
Both took part in training camp, which started Monday, and both said it was one of the most intense experiences of their lives.
“I’ve played on Team Alberta for soccer, too, but it was nowhere near anything like this,” Jennings said as he tried to catch his breath fresh off the practice field.
“It’s pretty hot, but two-a-days are fun. We’re learning a lot and the team’s coming together pretty good,” Mitchell added.
“It’s a lot faster and every play you’ve got to be on your game.”
Both Mitchell, 16, and Jennings, 17, are heading into Grade 12 next year at Paul Kane, lining up last year as members of the St. Albert High Skyhawks.
They are also close friends off the field and both said having someone they know at camp is a big help.
“Me and Nate are together on the field and off the field,” Jennings said. “We work well together on the field and we have a lot of fun off it.”
“We hang out a lot and it goes hand-in-hand with how we play on the field too,” Mitchell added.
Jennings added, though, that there are plenty of players on Team Alberta they’ve lined up across the field from in Metro Edmonton High School Athletic Association action, and that sometimes gets a little strange.
“It’s weird watching film and seeing players you’ve played against and been pushing around during games, and then coming out here and rooming with them and having a great time,” he said.
Jennings said he expects the opening game today against Saskatchewan to be a tough test.
“They’re going to come out looking to knock us off, but we’re looking ready,” he said. “We’ve been practicing hard and we’re going to be good to go by Saturday.”
As for the rest of the field, Mitchell expects every team to bring their A-game.
“This tournament is the elite athletes in every province so I know every team, it’s going to be a [good] game,” he said. “I don’t think there are going to be any easy wins.”
Other teams participating include Ontario West, Ontario East, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia and Quebec.
In the 2010 tournament in Wolfville, N.S., Saskatchewan beat Quebec 18-10 in the final. Alberta finished in eighth place after losing to Ontario East 23-22 in their final game.
Still, both St. Albert players are confident that Alberta has what it takes to compete with the rest of the country, and believe they will gain a lot of valuable experience to bring back to Paul Kane in the fall as the Blues get set to field their first-ever football team.
“These are the best athletes in Canada, so when you come back to high school, you can help your team out and help yourself out,” Mitchell said.
“It’s going to be cool playing for my school, as opposed to a school across town,” Jennings added. “I have all the love in the world for SACHS, but it’ll be nice to suit up and put the PK gear on for the first time.”
The game between Alberta and Saskatchewan kicks off at 7:30 p.m. tonight. Live streaming of games is available through Football Canada’s website at www.footballcanada.com. More information on the tournament can be found on its official website at www.2011footballcanadacup.ca.
