Originally Kaedann Price wasn’t thinking of trying out for Team Alberta to compete in the Border Bowl against B.C.
But after talking with several of his friends and learning the team was short of players he tried out and it was the best decision he could make.
The 16-year-old, who plays for the Lindsay Thurber Raiders, not only made the team but was named the defensive line MVP in the game played in Chilliwack.
“They have separate teams for Grade 10, 11 and 12, but all my friends were in Grade 12 so I wasn’t thinking about trying out,” explained the five-foot-11, 235-pound Price.
“But they told me they were short of players and I should tryout, even though I’m in Grade 11.”
It was an open tryout with players from all parts of the province. Price made the team, but he admitted he wasn’t sure how much he’d play, as he was only one of two players not in Grade 12.
“But I started.”
Other players from LTCHS on the team were Jonathan Goulet, David Dunbar, Brody Halverson, Paul Jensen and Riley Ackerman, all in Grade 12.
Price played defensive tackle and fullback with the Raiders, but was moved to defensive end with the Alberta team, a move he loved.
“I played a little bit there before but it wasn’t a position I thought I’d play,” he explained. “But I loved it. I got a chance to use my speed and quickness more than on the inside.”
He had to learn the odd difference in rushing the quarterback and controlling the running game, but it didn’t take long for him to adjust.
“I had to learn how to control the blocker in front of me and push him into the gap to take that away from their running back. There were some different techniques, but it was great.”
Defensive end is a position he hopes to play in high school next season, but also hopes to continue to play some fullback.
“I enjoy playing both sides,” he said. “I think it helps me when I’m on defence in that I understand more of what the offensive players are trying to do. But I enjoy the defensive side the most as I get to do the tackling.”
Price was born in Lethbridge and moved to Trochu when he was eight. He was there for four years before moving to Red Deer where he got into football.
“I played bantam and played both the offensive and defensive lines,” he said. “I also played some hockey, but I wasn’t that good at it … better in football so I concentrated on it.”
He was a natural at the game and played bantam and the last two years with the Raiders and the Prairie Fire midget team. He has one year remaining with both teams. This year was his first taste of provincial football as he tried out for, but didn’t make, Team Alberta last season.
“They said I was too small,” he said.
Although he’s not that tall he worked hard at building himself up and hopes to have a legitimate shot at playing in the Senior Bowl next year.
“I try to play as much football as I can and train as much as I can,” he said.
Like most players he hopes to continue his career after high school, but as of now he’s looking forward to next season with the Raiders.
“We have a lot of talent and I think we can have a good year,” he said.