Raymond Comets kick off 2026 high school football season Friday against Ainlay

Posted on August 20, 2026 by admin

By Garrett Simmons
Westwind Weekly News

It is going to be a big night under the lights Friday in Raymond.

At 6 p.m., the Comets will open the 2026 high school season with a massive home game against Edmonton’s Harry Ainlay. Always one of the top teams in Alberta, the big-city outfit will be looking to spoil Raymond’s home opener.

“They are a good team,” said Comets head coach Connor Ralph, who added Week 1 of the season is important but overall, he wants to see his team build its game throughout the season. “It definitely matters but November is the time you want to peak, so we are all out to win but if we win or lose, it’s a learning moment for a bigger day.”

Ralph added his team will have to put in a solid four-quarter effort to come out on top.

“They return a lot of guys and are a great team. We have to stay disciplined and take care of the ball.”

Friday will be a battle of two teams that advanced to the 5A semifinals in 2025, as Ainlay dropped a 23-20 overtime decision to Ernest Manning, and Raymond fell 31-13 to Notre Dame.

It will also serve as a rematch of the 2024 Alberta Bowl, when Ainlay upset Raymond 37-14.

But 2026 is a new season, as Raymond is scheduled to play six home games and four more on the road, which will include a Sept. 5 trip south of the border to face Star Valley in Pocatello, Idaho.

The Comets will host St. Francis on Aug. 29, Chinook on Sept. 25, St. Joseph on Oct. 9, Medicine Hat High on Oct. 23 and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute on Oct. 30.

Raymond’s other three road contests include a Sept. 11 trip to the city to face LCI, an Oct. 1 game in Cardston and an Oct. 16 date in Lethbridge against Catholic Central. 

The head coach added the 2026 version of the Comets will feature a fair share of veteran players, who will play featured roles early in the season.

“We have lots of Grade 11s and 12s,” he said. “A few 10s may see roles but to start the season, we are going with the older kids.”

On the sidelines, Ralph added the people calling the shots for the team will remain consistent from 2025.

“The coaching staff is about the same, which is a bonus. We have brought on a few new young coaches, which will help.”