Spartans close season with wins, growth and a promising young core

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

When Danny Warrack looks back on the Strathmore Spartans football season, the wins stand out. So do the players who found their confidence, stepped into unfamiliar positions and gave their team more with each passing week.

The high school recorded victories over Foothills, 33–9, Brooks, 29–20, and Olds, 15–6. For their head coach, those results were highlights in a season that also brought important gains across the roster.

The win in Olds was one Warrack pointed to when asked which moments best captured his team. The offence needed time to get going, but the defence held firm, giving the Spartans a chance to find their footing and finish the job.

That defensive effort reflected an improvement Warrack had watched develop throughout the season. Stopping the run had been a challenge early on, but players took responsibility and worked to change that. 

“The guys took some initiative,” Warrack said.

Their progress was evident even in the season ending loss to Cochrane. Against a team Warrack described as Alberta’s top-ranked team in its classification, he saw stretches of strong football and a defence better equipped to handle the run.

There were other signs of that resilience along the way. Warrack credited the defence for strong performances against Foothills and Olds, as well as for keeping the Spartans competitive against Crescent Heights while injuries depleted the offence.

Building belief was a steady part of the work. 

“At times they showed that, but it wasn’t always consistent, but there was some progress made anyway, which was nice to see,” he said.

Through difficult weeks, Warrack’s message stayed practical: show up, practise and keep working.

“You’re gonna have some weeks where you didn’t like your game and you got to come back on Monday and get back to work and be mindful of some of the mistakes you made and do your best to correct them,” he said.

Several younger Spartans took that message to heart.

Jacob Perkin stepped in at quarterback for a couple of games, then moved into a receiving role after a teammate suffered a season-ending broken arm. 

At just 14, he earned praise for his blocking, hands and continued development. 

“He’s getting better and better,” Warrack said.

Chase Cornett tried several positions before finding a strong fit on the defensive line. His ability to pressure quarterbacks stood out, and Warrack also saw him begin to understand how to stop the run.

Nolan Mulek and Dom Leroux gained experience with starts on the offensive line, contributing to a Grade 10 group that gave the coach plenty of reasons for optimism. 

“There’s a lot of Grade 10s; that surprised me,” said Warrack.

For Warrack their growth came as players began to believe in themselves and understand what they could contribute. Some arrived after difficult seasons in younger age groups. Over the course of this year, they started becoming players the Spartans could count on.

The graduating class offered examples of where that commitment can lead. Warrack highlighted Jace Campbell and Liam Barnett among the players whose contributions grew through persistence. Their development came through training, regular attendance and a willingness to keep working until they earned important roles.

Those efforts matter to a coach who hopes his players leave with more than memories of scores and individual games.

“Commitment, dedication, hard work, that kind of stuff,” Warrack said of the lessons he hopes they carry forward. “Make your point to try to do things right, and if you fail, keep going.”

There is already anticipation for the next group of Spartans. Warrack is looking forward to the speed of the incoming Grade 9 Badgers and the continued development of the players returning.

He also hopes to welcome about 15 players who are new to football, with opportunities available for students willing to give the sport a try. Plans include introductory skill sessions in the new year and an expected spring camp in early June. Any high school student interested in playing can email manager and teacher at SHS Kristin Foldi (kdharriman@hotmail.com).

“I’m still looking forward to next year,” said Warrack. “I can’t wait.”