Fighter Jets football season begins Saturday at home

Fighter Jets prepare to host the season opener on Saturday afternoon.

It’s almost time for the Cold Lake Fighter Jets to take off.

The senior football team held its main camp over the weekend, solidifying its roster for the upcoming 2022 Alberta Football League season.

While there have been some ups and down with the club and the league over the past two seasons, Cold Lake will get the chance to start on the right foot on Saturday against the Edmonton Elite.

“We’re pretty excited. The boys had a lot of energy at main camp this weekend,” said general manager Damen Schaub on Connected Mornings. “A lot of new faces to the team with a good mindset. Guys are coming in with a purpose, and they want to win and get exposure to advance their football careers.” 

The team boasts local to the area players and several others who played university and college football across Canada, including Desron Keir and Jayde Rowe, who hail from Toronto. 

“I’m sure it will be competitive. It always is. Our team is ready to go,” said Keir, who projects to play at cornerback this season. 

But the transition from the metropolis of Toronto to Cold Lake hasn’t been too much of a learning curve. Both Keir and Rowe played in western Canada before signing on with the Fighter Jets, including a stop at the University of Regina for Rowe.

“I understand the small town and the home vibe. It keeps you out of trouble, but I prefer peace. Toronto is a city with a lot of noise sometimes. I prefer it out here,” said Rowe. 

“Social media is the biggest market for us to go after guys,” said GM Schaub about how the team recruits. “The program is growing. Guys are bringing their friends who played college and junior.”

There would be six regular season games throughout the season and nine total if the Fighter Jets were to go all the way.

Coached by Dan Jubinville, the Fighter Jets start at home on Saturday while having another home date at Tom Varughese Field later in June.

The kickoff on Saturday is at 2:00 pm, with the gates opening at 1:00 pm.

“9-0 is the goal.”