The Estevan Elecs know they have a long way to go to become a top team in the Moose Jaw High School Football League.
But the fledgling club continues to take small steps forward, and that continued with last week's spring camp.
The camp was nearly cancelled, but proved a valuable experience as 42 players showed up to take part in drills and a scrimmage on Friday.
"It's just good to see that the guys we have coming up that played for the Steelers in the bantam league, they're quality players that will really contribute this year," said head coach Marco Ricci, who figures to see about 45 players in main camp in August.
The players practiced each day after school from Monday to Thursday, followed by Friday's 60-play scrimmage.
That gave the hopefuls a taste of a game situation and served as a good test for a team that relies on each player to do a lot, due to their smaller roster.
"I think that was one of the big reasons why we ran these 60 plays, just to give them an idea of what kind of shape they need to be in. They're well aware that they need to be in way better shape coming into the fall," said Ricci.
"It's exhausting, there's not much rest time and we try to give them that feel of a real game situation."
New quarterback Kolby Fleury was behind centre throughout the scrimmage, leading the offence to a pair of touchdowns and also throwing two interceptions.
After five days of workouts, Ricci said the Elecs have improved most at quarterback, in the receiving corps and in the secondary.
"We have a strong veteran group of defensive backs who came back, so we're pretty happy with that," he said.
He is also confident in the team's offensive line, which was missing some personnel last week.
On the other hand, the Elecs will look to develop a threat at tailback and improve their linebackers.
That said, Ricci was impressed by a raw linebacker group during the scrimmage.
"The young linebackers that we had in there really filled to the ball and they look like they can tackle. They're aggressive and they played real well."
Among the players who impressed Ricci were Fleury and linebacker/punter Elijah Watchman.
One of the themes throughout the week was instilling pride in what the Elecs have become and taking ownership of their fortunes on and off the field, including supporting Estevan's bid for the Kraft Celebration Tour.
