Three members of the Cochrane Cobras football team were named to Football Alberta's South Senior Bowl team when the roster was announced on April 23. Receivers Jack Tocher and Daniel de Bruin as well as linebacker Will Eilers will represent Cochrane High during the annual football event that brings the best senior high school football players together from across the province to compete in a showcase game. The two teams are divided into north and south, with the north side comprised of Edmonton and area schools, while the south includes teams from Calgary and surrounding areas such as Cochrane and Airdrie, Medicine Hat, Brooks and Cardston. The three seniors played key roles for the Cobras. Tocher and de Bruin were one of six Cochrane High players were named the team’s Most Outstanding Player (MVP), while Eilers was Best Linebacker and a league all-star along with Tocher. de Bruin was also the league’s recipient for Best Offensive Player. The Cochrane High stars were a huge part of the Cobras team that went undefeated throughout the Rocky View Sports Association (RVSA) regular season with a 6-0 record, as well as winning all four Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA) Provincial games including a 21-14 victory in the final over the Holy Rosary Raiders on Nov. 24. Tocher scored the game winning touchdown on a 37-yard strike from Cobras quarterback Brett Conlon. Tocher had another 13-yard touchdown earlier in the contest to account for 12 of the Cobras 21 points. In those 10 games, the Cobras outscored their opponents by an astounding margin of 414-53, where Cochrane High averaged 41 points per game while never giving up more than 14 points en route to the team's fourth straight provincial championship. “It feels great and I’m honoured to be selected to play with some of the best players in Alberta,” said Jack Tocher when asked what his reaction was when he heard that he made the south team. “It’s awesome to be playing with both Daniel (de Bruin) and Will (Eliers). I’m glad I get to play in one more game with a couple of my friends.” "I was honestly ecstatic. It was the first time I've made a team like this," added Eilers. "It's honestly the best case scenario for me to also have some teammates coming along with me. Going up to Edmonton all alone is kind of nerve-racking." de Bruin agreed with his fellow teammates, stating he relishes the opportunity to represent his side of the province. "I was really excited when I heard the news that I was representing the South. I was glad I was chosen especially after seeing all the talent at tryouts," de Bruin said. "I'm just excited to be able to play with the guys one more time before we move on to different aspects of our lives." The trio also highlighted the fact that Cochrane High was instrumental in their football success and they wouldn’t have made the Senior Bowl team without their time in the burgundy and white. “I think having so many players go (represent Cochrane High at the Senior Bowl) these past few years really demonstrates how well we’ve all been coached during these few years of high school football. Our coaches are a huge part of why we can play at this level,” Tocher said. "The coaching staff is the best that I have had and they are a very large contributing factor to why Jack, Danny and myself managed to make a high level team like this," said Eilers of the Cobras coaching staff. de Bruin added to his teammates remarks by saying, "I think it says a lot about the program and even more about the coaches and how they were able to help us become better football players and the people we are now. I know I wouldn't be here without the level of coaching I have received throughout my last three years at Cochrane High." The game will take place on May 21 at Foote Field in Edmonton. The South won last year's edition by a score of 26-15.
