The Christmas break has a double meaning for two members of the Cochrane High Cobras football team.

Lineman Jacob Patterson and defensive back Tate Pickard have earned spots on Team Alberta rosters for matchups against British Columbia teams on Dec. 20-21 in Langley, B.C.

Their selection is a feather in their cap after leaving it all on the field for the Cochrane Cobras this season.

Patterson and Tate were among the Cochrane football players participating in Football Alberta’s summer series that concluded with games between north and south teams in Red Deer. Their selection was largely based on their performance in that game.

Patterson is playing for Alberta's U18 team and was one of the team captains for the Cobras in his final year of high school football.

“Being selected for Alberta South was already an accomplishment on its own, never mind getting the opportunity to play for Team Alberta,” he says. “It’s quite the name to put on my back and carry around. It feels amazing, and I do it with a lot of pride. It’s a very respectful team to make.”

The selection follows closely on the steps of the Cobras winning the provincial championship in a game that went down to the wire.

“That was a crazy game. There was a whole load of pride and a whole lot of emotion going on at the same time.”

Patterson tried several sports until he discovered football.

“If you name a sport, I probably had it going, but I could never really find anything that was right for me.”

From the first time he put on the equipment and took a few hits, he knew football was the sport for him. He played two years bantams with the Cochrane Lions.

“I went into football hardly knowing anything. The Cochrane Lions is a great place to go because they not only teach you what to do but about the entire game.”

Pickard, 16, is playing defensive back for Alberta’s U17 team.

The grade 11 athlete says it’s been his goal to make the team since it was announced it was proceeding this season.

Pickard began his football career seven seasons ago with the Cochrane Lions Atoms. He has played defence for most of it, although he did try running back for half a season.

“I’ve always had a calling for defence and went right back.”

Like many players on the roster, he had his first real taste of being a Cobra this season. What made it particularly special for Pickard was having a chance to play with his older brother Ethan, who graduates this year.

Up until this season, they had only played on the same team once but often hit local fields to play.

“That’s what made us into the players we are. All summer we would train at the Bow Valley field.”

“This year was a storybook season. It was great to play with my brother. It’s what we've talked about for the past five years. It’s exactly what my whole family and Ethan and I dreamed of.”

Like any Football Alberta event, the Langley dates are more than a game. It’s a chance for further skill development and recruitment after high school play.

“It’s a good opportunity to be scouted, for sure, and a fantastic opportunity to showcase what you can do, and to play your best,” says Patterson.

He has been contacted by junior teams in both Alberta and B.C. and is leaving his options open at this point.

With one year of high school football left, Tate hopes to participate in some university camps in the off-season.

The Alberta teams leave for Langley on Dec. 18. To prepare for the games, they’ll have a series of practices and meetings.

They return to Cochrane on Dec. 22, in time to enjoy Christmas with their families.