The Fort McMurray Monarchs are the reigning Alberta Football League Champions, and National Champions, and their title defense will begin on Saturday, May 27 as they will take on the Airdrie Irish at 7:00 p.m. at SMS Stadium at Shell Place.
The Monarchs will have a great chance to kick off their 2017 campaign on the right note as they take on an Irish team who won just once last season (1-7) while the Monarchs lost just once in the regular season (7-1) en route to winning the National Championship.
“Coming off a National Championship year, the expectations of our club are very high to repeat,” Said Jesse Maddox, President of the Monarchs. “It all starts with week one this weekend against the Irish, then we have a huge game against the Calgary Gators next week.”
The Monarchs will be playing their second full season at Shell Place which will see them play three of their first four games at Shell Place, before hitting the road for three straight before returning back home once again to finish off their regular season against the Lloydminster Vandals.
Star quarterback for the Monarchs last year Will Arndt will not return this season but will continue his football career, as he has been invited to the Main Camp of the Edmonton Eskimos. The Eskimos kick off their pre-season schedule on June 11, with training camp set to begin on May 28.
Despite Arndt not returning, the Monarchs will be very strong at quarterback after signing Deric Davis to become the team’s new quarterback.
Davis, 5 foot 10, from Arlington, Texas played collegiately at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Davis’ career-highs during his time at Texas A&M Commerce, includes completing 20 passes against Incarnate Word on October 6, 2012, while he threw for 214 yards one week prior against Texas A&M-Kingsville.
“Talent-wise, we might even be a little deeper than last year’s team.” Said Maddox.
Kickoff for Saturday evening’s game is set for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available for just $12.00 for adults by visiting the MacDonald Island Box Office. You can also get them online or at the Shell Place Box Office prior to kickoff on Saturday.
“What better way is there to support your community, and a team that’s built partially off the community,” Said Maddox. We have people from all over Canada, just like Fort McMurray as a community, and it’s just a great day to support and watch some football.”
For Saturday’s game, fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items as the game will support the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.
For more on the Monarchs, head to Fort McMurray Monarchs or check them out on Facebook.
