The 2018 high school football season brings the Jordi Thomas era as head coach for the defending-provincial-champion Shaunavon Shadows.

Having won the 2017 2A 9-man provincial title, now-former head coach Garret Glasrud got a job at the college level south of the border.

Thomas has been promoted into the position after serving as the offensive coordinator last season.

"You know, it makes you pretty proud about yourself and seeing where you came from, from being right beside Garret the whole way up," said Thomas, attributing his growth in the coaching world to his predecessor. "Couldn't really make it here without him showing me the way - big shoes to fill, that's for sure." 

Thomas is a Shaunavon native, having played high school football for the Shadows on offense and special teams under the tutelage of Glasrud, graduating in 2012.

He immediately joined the coaching staff in the 2013 season.

He was an assistant on the offensive side of the ball under coordinator Justin Illerbrun in 2015, and held the same position behind coordinator Aaron Audette in 2016.

The mix of playing and coaching experience is certainly an asset for Thomas moving into his expanded role.

"Big time, it was defintely a roller-coaster going from player to coach," he said. "You kind of have to hide your emotions a bit more, but as you go on and get more mature with coaching, it really helps."

With provincial titles in 2015 and 2017, Thomas and the Shadows coaching staff will look to maintain the status quo in regards to success on the gridiron.

"Well I mean we kind of got a lot of magic going on down in Shaunavon right now - I kind of want to keep the ball rolling," he said. "We've got a lot of young players coming up that are eager to play. It's good to see those guys out at spring camp, especially those guys eager to come out and learn the plays. Lot of good talent still on the team - it's looking really good."

The Glasrud-led formula to success extends off the field for the Shadows, with Thomas happily continuing the work and support around town.

"We usually go around the odd day, put our jerseys on, go around and pick up garbage.Just small things like that, giving back to your community," he said. "When anybody calls you to say 'hey can the boys come out and help out here?' you can't really turn them down. It's really nice to get back out and help the community."

Of course Thomas was quick to note that night games under the lights aren't going anywhere, after the thrilling events have become somewhat of a staple in the diet of avid football fans around Shaunavon.

Without Glasrud in the picture moving forward, Thomas and the Shadows will continue on with their identity - Shaunavon Shadows will look to remain as fans know it.

"It's kind of a mix of emotions. You're kind of nervous, but excited at the same time. We have a lot of talent on the team, and a lot of faith in the guys, as you hope that they have faith in you. So kind of just want to keep the ball rolling."

Another coaching hire of note is on the defensive side of the ball - Tyler Sawyer.

Sawyer, from Metcalfe, Ontario, played five years as a linebacker with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. He received an award in 2011-12 as a second-team all-star in the Ontario University Athletics East Division.