The Cochrane High Cobras are returning to the field this week for four days of modified training in preparation for the fall football season.

Co-head coach Rob McNab says they got clearance for "spring" training from Rocky View Sports late last week and quickly put the pieces together. Their full coaching staff is ready to go, and there's been no shortage of players.

"We just want to get them thinking football, thinking of all the movements and all the engagement you have to do when you come back in the fall. We're getting them moving and feeling football again after a year off. It's been tough on them."

Normally, the camp is held in the spring, but that wasn't possible because of health restrictions. 

"The students have a little downtime right now, so they're really chomping at the bit to get out. Although it will be in small cohorts, we're definitely going to split up the field and do some football movements."

McNab says 65 students attended a meeting late last week, the most he can recall in 30 years of coaching the Cobras.

"It's going to be challenging. We've got to adhere to the modifications and restrictions that we have, but I think we'll be productive enough that when we get back in August we'll be a little bit ahead of schedule."

A six-game schedule has been announced by Rocky View Sports. The Cobras open their season on the road on Aug. 27 against the George McDougall Mustangs. Their home opener is against the Bert Church Chargers on Sept. 3.

Earlier today, a schedule was released for the Canada West football conference of USports.

The U of C Dinos, which has a large number of recruits from Cochrane, is scheduled to open their season on Sept. 25 against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

The Dinos aspire to defend their Vanier Cup title on Dec. 4 at Laval University in Quebec City.