Weather permitting, the Grande Prairie Drillers will be hosting their home opener at Legion Field this weekend. Earlier this year it looked like the senior men’s football team might not have enough players to stay in the league, but president Jay White says they’re in a good position now.
“Numbers-wise I’m looking really strong now. Basically we had to start over with all the vets quitting and guys just having families and getting old and moving on, so we had to start over bringing some fresh faces, but they’re starting to come out. I’m hoping to have a 30 plus man roster for Saturday.”
The Drillers kicked off their 2016 Alberta Football League season with a loss to the Central Alberta Buccaneers in Lacombe late last month. They had a bye last week and will face the Edmonton Raiders at home Saturday. In addition to all the new players, White says a veteran leader has also made a return.
“I’m pretty excited; this week Simon Pfau came back to the team and he’s one of the leading receivers all-time in the league. He might take a bit of a different role and play some defensive back this weekend, but it’s nice to see a few of the veterans come back and help support the new faces on the team.”
Kickoff is 6 p.m. with admission $5 for people 12 years and older. The team is still looking for sponsors to help cover costs this season.