With Seth Henderson calling defense and two players on the field, the Cochrane Cobras continue to play an integral role in South's Senior Bowl team. 

For the fourth straight year, the South All-Star team overcame the North, 38-23, at Foote Field in Edmonton, May 22.

South Quarterback John Evans, of the LCI Rams, only completed 3 of 11 passes and instead used his legs to gain 181 rushing yards and score two touchdowns. Other South TD’s were added from two QB sneaks of Catholic Central’s Kai Sampson and a rushing TD from Foothill’s Payton Price.

The Cobras sent a large delegation to the South Bowl. From left, Ken Polson, Bruce O'Neill, Daniel de Bruin, William Eilers, Rob McNab and Seth Henderson. (Photo Courtesy of Cochrane High)

Cobras linebacker William Eilers had a major interception in the second quarter when he grabbed a tipped ball from a south lineman and returned it to the North's four-yard line. The South went on to score a touchdown on the back of the interception.

"That was a big play for our defense," says Henderson. "It lead to a touchdown for us so it's important that he stepped in. He's been a kid that has had a rising potential. The growth he has over his three years of playing football here has been wonderful."

Cobras Daniel de Bruin had the ball thrown his way twice and while he didn't make any receptions a deep pass to him saw the North draw a pass interference penalty.

"He ran an excellent route and challenged for the ball and the only thing the defensive back could do to prevent him from catching it was tackle him."

It was Henderson's first time serving on the coaching staff and he enjoys any opportunity to grow as a coach and see how others run their programs and perhaps incorporate some of the ideas into his coaching.

"Who I really like working with is the offensive coordinator so I can make our defense better. That really helped out.

"It was a good time. It was a great bunch of coaches and kids and it was nice to squeak out the win."

The South largely dominated the play but there's a couple of defensive calls Henderson wishes he could take back. Late in the second and the fourth the North scored touchdowns.

"I should have recognized them pre-snap," says Henderson. "I could have put the kids in a better position to make a play and didn't and they capitalized on those bad calls."

The offensive power of the south did help keep the defense fresh. It was a hot day and with injuries and schedule conflicts, the South bench was only 37 strong.

"Definitely, when we started rolling on offense you could see the talent level that we had. Having the offense be able to take the ball for a few series to give us a break on defense was crucial to the success we had. It was hot, bloody hot."

The South now leads the series 16-12-1 since the inception of the Senior Bowl in 1990. It regular features Cochrane football players and gives graduating high school players a chance for one final game. The game is also heavily scouted leaving the door open for interested players to continue ball after high school. Many players have already been signed.

Cobras receiver Jack Tocher did not play due to an injury a few weeks prior to the game.

The Cobras have started their spring training and it goes full tilt on June 1.