Despite not winning a game this season and missing the playoffs, the Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons are confident the program has planted seeds for long-term success in senior high school football.
Read more: Barons’ Macnab thrives in another sport
The younger-than-average Barons didn’t use age or injuries as excuses during an 0-6 season that included four regular-season games in the North Saskatchewan Football League.
Instead, they showed up and learned their lessons well.
“This season was about growth and development for the Senior Barons, with many players getting their first taste of the speed and physicality of senior (high school) football,” said Kieran Link, the team’s head coach.
“A number of Grade 10s and 11s stepped into leadership roles that usually don’t come until a player’s final year. Guys like Raynar Larsson, Rylan Anderson and Conner Smithson led by example, never missing a practice and showing steady improvement as the year progressed.
“The young guys learned fast this year, and that increased experience will be an asset in 2026.”
Already shy in Grade 12 athletes, let alone experience, the Barons lost a key cog in the early going when versatile senior Carson Krchov suffered a season-ending injury. Some of the younger players later missed time with various ailments, but the Barons didn’t use those setbacks as a crutch down the stretch.
“Football is a physical game, and we sustained our share of injuries, but that’s the nature of the sport,” Link said. “The players showed great resilience by battling week in and week out.
“We had more players playing on both sides of the ball than we traditionally would, and with a smaller graduating class, we expect numbers to increase in 2026.”
At least some of the football Barons are already in training for next season.
“Our goals remain the same heading into the off-season,” Link said. “Football is a short, intense season, and over 80 per cent of the year is spent preparing for it.
“Getting bigger, stronger and faster is paramount. A structured off-season program focused on weight training and speed development will roll out in semester two. Players in our football class are already hard at work in the weight room and learning more about the game.
“As a staff, we’ll continue to focus on building relationships and recruiting throughout the off-season. Our goals are process-driven. If we keep doing the work, that effort should translate into a more physical and polished squad in 2026.”
Along with the growing pains this season were exceptional efforts from multiple players.
In the Barons’ final game Oct. 9 against the Carlton Crusaders of Prince Albert, Grade 11 running back Colby Hynes provided “one of the gutsiest performances of the year,” Link said.
“He ran the ball incredibly hard and was an inspiration. He’s a true example of putting the team first.”
A MODEL OF CONSISTENCY
Speaking of exemplary performances, coach Link demonstrated all season the kind of professionalism that’s so necessary — and often lacking — at all levels of sport. Even in the face of defeat, he stepped up week after week and consistently kept in touch with Lloydminster media, enhancing his team, his school, his sport and his community in the process.
Meanwhile, the Barons have scheduled their annual awards banquet for Nov. 18.
Read more: Rotarians get briefed on chamber activities
