To no one's surprise, the Cochrane High Cobras football team will soon have another player taking the next step in their young playing career. Slot back Dylan Neis signed with the University of Calgary Dinos on Dec. 12 and will join Cobra alumni Erik Nusl on the team. "Ever since I was a kid I went to Dinos games," said the 6-foot-1, 175 pound receiver during his official signing. "Growing up, I always wanted to play here and now it's a dream come true." "I've always wanted to stay local and play where my friends and family can come see me play for a team as good as the Dinos - it's really an honour. I wouldn't be where I am today without Cochrane High and without the great coaches like (co-head coach) Robbie McNab and (receivers coach) Tom Forzani. I also couldn't have done it without my teachers working hard to help me." With Neis playing a big role, the Cobras went undefeated throughout the season, going 6-0 in league play, and 3-0 in the provincial tournament to capture their fifth straight Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) provincial championship after defeating the Holy Rosary Raiders 25-8 in the final game. The Cobras scored an astounding 391 points over the course of those nine games, averaging just over 40 points per game while only allowing 79 points over the course of the season, an average of just over eight points per game. Neis was on the receiving end of many of those points, including a five touchdown performance against the George McDougall Mustangs in a 49-2 win on Sept. 29. Neis stepped up and played a key role throughout the season when receivers Dawson Laye and Dawson Gladue went down with injuries. “I’m not sure the last time a Cobra had five touchdowns in a game to be honest, but he earned them all. He runs good routes and he’s kind of been hiding in the weeds a little bit because we have other good receivers like Dawson Laye and Gladue,” Cobras head coach Rob McNab said after Neis' stellar performance. Those injuries gave Neis the opportunity to shine. He was one of the recipients of the Cobras' Most Valuable Player award while also being named the Best Offensive Player in the Rocky View league. Last season, he was named Rookie of the Year, his first season as a starter. "Dylan is a very good route runner," said Dinos head coach Wayne Harris through the team website. "He is a young, talented player who has excellent potential. He has nice hands, comes from a winning program and is a very dedicated player which will benefit him as he moves to the USPorts level." Neis will join the Dinos once he's graduated from Cochrane High to begin preparation for the upcoming Canada West season.
