Richard Froese
South Peace News
The Peace River Prospectors are gearing up for the 2023 season in the Peace Country Bantam Football League.
Finishing fourth in the regular season last year, the Prospectors anticipate a stronger finish after losing in the Horner Cup semifinal, co-coach Josh Scott says.
“Fans can expect a great season ahead,” says Scott, co-head coach of the team with Dean Tubbs.
“We have high expectations on this year’s squad and the players are looking forward to showcase their talents on the field.
“Our top goal every year is to play to the best of our abilities and win the Horner Cup.”
Practices start Aug. 19 and run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6-8 p.m.
Peace River opens the season on the road Sept. 7 against the Grande Prairie Raiders in Sexsmith at 1 p.m.
The Prospectors’ first home game is scheduled for Sept. 21 when they host the Grande Prairie Norsemen at 1 p.m.
Other coaches include Larry Elder, John Pittman, Kenton Atwood, Mike Chalupa, Coltin Spracklin and Mark Ilyn.
Scott expects the Prospectors to be a fast and tough team.
“The strength of the Prospectors will be the speed and strength of our senior players,” Scott says.
“A lot of them have been in the program in Peace River for a few years and having that extra bit of knowledge when it comes to the game ultimately helps everyone else to better understand the speed and intensity tht this sport is played at.”
“We are projecting to have more than 25 players this fall,” Scott says.
“This year, we had a very successful peewee season with our Panthers winning the Silver Bowl and seven of those players move up to the Prospectors.”
Players can continue to register until the end of September.
“We encourage young teens if they are interested in trying football to join as early as they can in the season to make sure they maximize their time learning and getting ready for when they step on the field for a game,” Scott says.For more information on registration, please visit leagues. teamlinkt.com/peacreg to find registration forms to sign up.