Category: Features

WHSFL Team Preview: West Kildonan Wolverines

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Linebacker Nick Birch returns for his senior year, and will be the anchor on defence for West K. Photo by hudl.com.

Over the next month, manitobafootballfeed will be previewing each of the 31 varsity teams battling for supremacy in the Winnipeg High School Football League, which kicks off its regular season on Wednesday, Sept. 5. Below is a breakdown of the West Kildonan Wolverines.

Team: West Kildonan Wolverines

Head Coach: Russell Wallace, third year

Conference/Division: Vidruk Conference, Division 2

2017 Regular Season Record: 4-3

2017 Playoff Record: 2-0 (Won the WHSFL Bowl)

The West Kildonan Wolverines are moving up in the world, after capturing the WHSFL Bowl last season. Head coach Russell Wallace returns seven starters on offence and eight on defence from the 2017 championship team, and will look to make a statement in division 2 this year.

Offence: The offence will be once again be led by quarterback Devon Machum, who threw for 521 yards and four touchdowns last season. He’ll be supported by receiver Ashton Rolland and running back/linebacker De’Von Young.

Defence: Much like on offence, the defence will be anchored by an impact player from last year’s championship team in senior linebacker Nick Birch. He led the team with 36 tackles and three sacks in 2017. Other players to keep an eye out for are defensive backs Justin Petrishen and Zach Shrupka. The duo combined for 34.5 tackles five interceptions and a sack a year ago.

Short and long-term goals: Wallace expects his team to be prepared and competitive in each game this year. The long-term goal is “to continue to compete in in division 2 for years to come.

WHSFL Team Preview: Maples Marauders

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Captain Tevonne Albert will anchor the offensive and defensive lines for Maples. Photo by Peter Serrette.

Team: Maples Marauders

Head Coach: Peter Serrette, 23rd year with the program (player/coach)

Conference/Division: Currie Conference, Division 3

2017 Regular Season Record: 0-7

2017 Playoff Record: N/A

The Maples Marauders finished 2017 with a bitter taste in their mouth, after failing to clinch a playoff birth. Expect experienced head coach Peter Serrette to have his troops fired up for 2018 and ready to make a push for the postseason.

Offence: The Marauders offence will feature a balanced passing and running game. Their backfield will have plenty of variety, led by speedy senior running back Denzel Hooke and junior receiver/running back Mason Jesmer, who is “a hard runner who loves contact,” according to Serrette.

Additionally, three-year starter Danten Santos will play both sides of the ball, lining up at both receiver and defensive back. “His combination of speed and power make him a game-changer,” said Serrette.

The offensive line will be anchored by a trio of juniors, in Mario Sarte, Tevonne Albert and Jesse Valiquette.

Defence: Defence will be the strength of the Marauders team this season. Serrette says they will “provide constant pressure with several blitz packages, in the hope of creating turnovers and leaving the offence with a short field.”

Santos and fellow team captain Albert will lead the unit as two-way players at defensive back and defensive lineman, respectively. Support will come from multi-sport junior Adamo Urciuoli, who “has speed to burn” in the secondary. Valiquette will also play both ways as a defensive lineman, and is “a hard-working athlete who lives in the gym.”

Short and long-term goals: Division 3 is typically well-balanced, where any team can win on any given night. With that in mind, Serrette’s goal for his team is to “get better every week and win our division.”

WHSFL Team Preview: Portage Trojans

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Senior Tyler Morris returns to anchor the Trojans at quarterback in 2018. Photo by PortageOnline.

Team: Portage Trojans

Head Coach: Donald Burrell, second year

Conference/Division: Bramwell Conference, Division 2

2017 Regular Season Record: 3-4

2017 Playoff Record: 1-1 (Lost to Kildonan East in Canad Inns Bowl semi-finals)

The Portage Trojans face an uphill battle in 2018, with 12 seniors lost to graduation. But if anyone can get their troops ready for battle, it’s Donald Burrell, a former defensive backs coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers who has also coached the U18 provincial team in the past.

Offence: The Trojans return senior pivot Tyler Morris, who has been under centre for this team for the past few seasons, including a heartbreaking loss in the CanadInns Bowl in 2016. He’s hungry to finish his high school career off on a high note.

Morris will have some key pieces around him, including speedy grade 11 receiver Ian McCutchin as well as Team Manitoba U16 running back Kaiden Banfield, who brought home a silver medal at the Western Challenge this summer. Additionally, six-foot, 200 pound junior Mason Wieringa will provide stability in the backfield as well as at linebacker on defence.

Defence: The defence is relatively young, but will be anchored by six-foot-one, 250-pound defensive lineman Carter Little, who was a member of Team Manitoba’s U18 squad this summer. Other players to keep an eye out for include defensive tackle Cam Newham and middle linebacker Ashton Miller.

Short and long-term goals: Coach Burrell’s vision for 2018 is rather straightforward. He hopes his team “competes on every play,” and is able to make a push for the division title at year’s end.

WHSFL Team Preview: Neelin Spartans

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Evan Nachtigal will take the reigns at quarterback from record-breaking pivot Dayton Black in 2018. Photo by hudl.com.

Team: Neelin Spartans

Head Coach: Robert Cullen, 19th season

Conference/Division: Bramwell Conference, Division 2

2017 Regular Season Record: 4-3

2017 Playoff Record: 0-1 (Lost to Kelvin in AA quarterfinals)

The Division 2 Bramwell Conference features a number of teams who are hungry to prove that they can take the next step as a program. One of those teams are the Neelin Spartans, who are led by long-time coach Robert Cullen.

Offence: The Spartans have a few massive voids to fill in their offence, with game-changing pivot Dayton Black now playing for the Saskatchewan Huskies and receiver John Saville gone to graduation. Despite this, head coach Robert Cullen still expects his team to be strong in the passing game.

Looking to step up is senior Evan Nachtigall — one of three returning players offensively — who will take over starting duties under centre. He’s been the backup quarterback behind Black for the past three years and will finally get his shot at being the guy in 2018. Nachtigall displayed his versatility last season, recording 29 receptions for 501 yards and five touchdowns as a receiver while also throwing for 240 yards and a score.

Other players that are expected to step up are senior receiver Cauy Farthing and junior athlete Levi Kanski, who is also a stellar basketball and volleyball player.

Defence: The Spartans will be a “quick and physical” team defensively, according to Cullen.

Nachtigall and Farthing will each play both ways and will be relied upon to make game-changing plays in the secondary. Farthing finished 2017 with 39.5 tackles and a sack, while Nachtigall had two interceptions and five knockdowns. Another defensive back to keep an eye out for is Gavin Hall, who had eight tackles, an interception and a forced fumble last season.

Short and long-term goals: Cullen’s goals for his team this year are simple and to the point. Be competitive and ideally make an impact in the playoffs.

WHSFL Team Preview: Vincent Massey Brandon Vikings

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: From left, Jayden Engel, Zane Anderson and Gavin Reid will all play major roles for the Vikings in 2018. Photo by the Brandon Sun.

Team: Vincent Massey Brandon Vikings

Head Coach: Mike Steeves, 10th year

Conference/Division: Gustafson Conference, Division 1

2017 Regular Season Record: 5-2

2017 Playoff Record: 2-1 (Lost to Oak Park in CTV Bowl)

The Vikings are moving up in the world, after a strong 2017 campaign that saw them advance all the way to the Division 2 championship. They’re one of two teams, along with Dryden, who will be playing one division up in the Gustafson Conference this year. Led by 10th year head coach Mike Steeves, Vincent Massey Brandon will look to make a name for themselves in the WHSFL’s top tier.

Offence: The Vikings will lean on a strong offensive line and run game in 2018. Protection up front will be dictated by Gavin Reed and and Robin Roberts. Reed has been a member of the provincial team the past two years, making the roster as a 15-year-old for the first time in 2017. Steeves describes him as a “big strong lineman and a solid leader.” Roberts is “a great character kid, who has fabulous effort and attitude,” according to Steeves.

Carrying the rock will be six-foot, 220 pound senior Zane Anderson. The former fullback — who was also a provincial team member this summer — is a load to bring down and also a strong blocker.

Defence: Steeves expects his linebacking corps to be a major force this season. Leading the charge is junior Jayden Engel, who played both linebacker and running back last year. He’ll do the same this year, and is looking to build off of his experience at this year’s Canada Cup.

Providing support will be fellow linebacker John Fisseha as well as senior halfback Cole Ferrier. Fisseha will be looking to build off a strong junior varsity career as he enters his junior season, while Ferrier, who is also an excellent hockey player, will anchor the secondary.

Short and long-term goals: As a team, Vincent Massey Brandon’s goals are “to improve each game and find success in the challenges we can overcome,” according to Steeves. He added that “football is a vehicle for us to develop pride, effort, commitment, teamwork, perseverance and character. We want to see these young men become better individuals with a high moral standard. That will be our focus.”

WHSFL Week One Game of the Week: St. Paul’s 1 vs Dakota

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Dakota’s Josh Yanchishyn (left) and St. Paul’s Brody Lawson (right) will both be key to their team’s success on the field tomorrow night as the 2018 WHSFL season opens. Photo by Josh Yanchishyn.

Each week during the WHSFL regular season, manitobafootballfeed will be picking one contest to analyze. This week’s game will be St. Paul’s 1 taking on Dakota in Division 1 Potter action. This contest is also a rematch of last season’s ANAVETS Bowl, which the Crusaders won 35-0.

Just under a year ago, the St. Paul’s Crusaders were celebrating a second consecutive ANAVETS Bowl title, while the Dakota Lancers were left to wonder what could have been. Well, tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m., the Lancers will have the opportunity to avenge their championship game loss as they host the Crusaders in the first game of the 2018 WHSFL regular season.

Both of these teams were nothing short of impressive in exhibition play, as St. Paul’s knocked off Garden City 46-0, while Dakota shut out Sisler 53-0.

The Crusaders passing game was stellar against the Fighting Gophers, led by senior pivot Brody Lawson, who was last year’s ANAVETS Bowl MVP after throwing for 125 yards and three scores. If Dakota is going to be able to hand St. Paul’s their first regular season loss in over seven seasons, they’re going to need to get pressure on Lawson, led by their “aggressive and athletic” defensive line, according to head coach Ray Jarvis.

Leading the way in the front four will be last year’s Potter Division Rookie of the Year Jordan Friesen, who had four sacks as a sophomore in 2017. He’ll have support from players such as Josh Ma and Raffaele Caligiuri in the linebacking corps.

Offensively, the Lancers have an experienced group of offensive lineman who helped pave the way for a tremendous day on the ground against Sisler. The Crusaders will look to combat the Lancers attack with an athletic front seven of their own, led by senior defensive lineman Dylan Duha and junior linebacker Nathan Carabatsakis, who is the top ranked Manitoban in the #CFC100 class of 2020. Additionally, sophomore linebacker Nic Pereira — who wreaked havoc at the U16 Western Challenge in the summer — will provide a physical edge to the Crusaders defence.

Two x-factors to keep an eye out for are defensive backs Josh Yanchishyn of Dakota and Trae Tomlinson of St. Paul’s. The former had 9.5 tackles and an interception a year ago and will be the veteran in the secondary after the departures of Andreas Kastellanos (U SPORTS, Toronto), Nick Conway (U SPORTS, Manitoba) and Scott Brakel (CJFL, Winnipeg). The latter is currently the second ranked player in all of Canada for the #CFC100 class of 2021, and is an early contender for Rookie of the Year. He’s also a solid choice as a return specialist for the Crusaders, as he’s one of the fastest sprinters in the province.

WHSFL Team Preview: Dakota Lancers

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Defensive end Jordan Friesen will look to build upon his Rookie of the Year performance in 2017. Photo by hudl.com.

Team: Dakota Lancers

Head Coach: Ray Jarvis, eight year

Conference/Division: Potter Conference, Division 1

2017 Regular Season Record: 5-2

2017 Playoff Record: 2-1 (Lost to St. Paul’s 1 in ANAVETS Bowl)

The Lancers have been a frequent contender in every division they’ve played in under head coach Ray Jarvis, who started the program from scratch eight years ago. Last season, they made it all the way to the AAA final and will look to make it back in 2018.

Offence: The team’s greatest strength offensively will be their offensive line, according to Jarvis. The experienced group of hoggies, led by senior Jay-Ar Driedger, will “have the ability to help move the ball on the ground.”

In terms of playmakers, expect senior receiver Ethan Danell to have a strong season. He will be complemented by sophomore pass-catcher Matthew Toyne, who had a stellar showing at this summer’s U16 Western Challenge for Team Manitoba.

The biggest question mark for the team will come at quarterback, where senior Aidan Campbell will be asked to fill the big shoes left by current Kamloops Broncos pivot Reid Vankoughnett.

Defence: Despite losing last season’s leading tackler Noah Paulic to the Manitoba Bisons, Dakota’s front seven should still be a major strength. Jarvis describes his defensive line in particular, as “aggressive and athletic.”

The front four will be anchored by last year’s Potter Division Rookie of the Year Jordan Friesen, who had four sacks as a sophomore in 2017. Standing at six-foot-two, 241 pounds, the Team Manitoba U18 and #CFC100 2020 member will be a terror to block coming off of the edge.

The linebacking corps is just as solid, with Josh Ma and Raffaele Caligiuri leading the way. The duo combined for five sacks last season.

The secondary takes the biggest hit for the Lancers, with Nick Conway (Manitoba Bisons), Andreas Kastellanos (Toronto Varsity Blues) and Scott Brakel (Winnipeg Rifles) all off to play at the next level. Expect senior defensive back/receiver Josh Yanchishyn to pick up where the trio left off last year. He had 9.5 tackles and an interception a year ago.

Short and long-term goals: Jarvis’s goals for his team this year are simple. Continue to be competitive in division 1, while ideally returning to the finals at year’s end.

WHSFL Team Preview: Steinbach Sabres

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Team Canada U16 member Isaac Dokken will look to build on an impressive 2017 campaign. Photo by hudl.com

Team: Steinbach Sabres

Head Coach: Stephen Fedus, first year (third year on staff)

Conference/Division: Potter Conference, Division 1

2017 Regular Season Record: 2-5

2017 Playoff Record: 0-1 (Lost to Sister in AAA quarterfinal)

Last season, the Steinbach Sabres — who are the second largest high school in Manitoba — moved up from AA to AAA and showed well. Now in their second straight season in the top division, look for the squad to make even bigger strides.

The relatively young team returns 10 starters from last season, but perhaps the biggest change is at the head coaching position, as Jamie Peters — who started the program and led the squad to a CTV Bowl win in 2016 — has transitioned into a general manager’s role and will also be an assistant coach for the varsity team in 2018.

Taking up the mantle as head coach is Stephen Fedus, who was also on the team’s staff when they went all the way two years ago. On top of that, he’s been a member of Team Manitoba’s U18 coaching staff for the past seven years, is a former offensive line coach with the Winnipeg Rifles and also has a Vanier Cup ring from his time as a player with the Manitoba Bisons.

Offence: Leading the way at quarterback will be returning starter Sawyer Thiessen, who threw for 1,085 yards as a freshman. This season, he’ll have fellow grade 10 quarterback Payton Falk to support him. The latter has transferred back to his home school after spending the 2017 season at St. Paul’s.

“The grade 10 quarterbacks will also see time at receiver and give the offence the ability to provide multiple looks,” Fedus said.

Additionally, grade 11 athletes Teg Peters and Avery Penner are both capable of carrying the football as well as lining up at slotback. They’re expected to be among the favourite targets for the sophomore pivots, with impact receivers Eric Adams and Sheycoy Selent moving on to the Manitoba Bisons and Winnipeg Rifles, respectively.

Protection up front for Thiessen and Falk will be headlined by Ethan Gruninger, Ron Anderson and Michael Amador.

Defence: The Sabres return six starters on defence and will continue to feature “aggressive, heavy pressure defences,” according to Fedus.

With safety/linebacker Tyler Bueckert gone to the Rifles, the team will run through grade 11 middle linebacker Isaac Dokken, who had 53 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries a year ago. He also played for Team Canada U16 in January and Team Manitoba U18 in the summer.

“He’s a very physical player who is constantly working to improve his play,” Fedus said of the junior.

Additionally, the defensive line will be anchored by seniors Billy Godwaldt and Keone Montrose-Rodgers in the middle.

Much like the Sister Spartans — who are the largest high school in Manitoba — the Sabres benefit from a strong junior varsity program that constantly feeds the next wave of talent. Included in this year’s crop are junior defensive ends Thomas Peters and Keagan Sawatzky, along with linebackers Jayden Pozniak and Luke Mehling.

Short and long-term goals: As is the case when younger players step up to the varsity level, Fedus is looking for his team to “compete every snap of every game as the younger players adjust to the speed and physicality of varsity football.” He added that “ultimately, we are looking to improve on our record from last year and are striving to compete with the best teams in the province.”

WHSFL Team Preview: Garden City Fighting Gophers

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Bison football commit Jarrett Alcaraz will be a major force on both sides of the ball for Garden City this season. Photo by the North Winnipeg Nomads.

Team: Garden City Fighting Gophers

Head Coach: Beau Wilks, 8th year

Conference/Division: Potter Conference, Division 1

2017 Regular Season Record: 2-5

2017 Playoff Record: 0-1 (Lost to St. Paul’s 1 in AAA quarterfinal)

Under Beau Wilks’ leadership, the Garden City Fighting Gophers have consistently been a playoff contender, while also producing some high-quality U SPORTS athletes. As a matter of fact, two GC athletes have already committed to the Manitoba Bisons for the 2019 season. With seven starters back on both sides of the ball, Garden City should be right in the championship mix again this year.

Offence: Offensively, the team will be led by two-way threats Jarrett Alcaraz and Elijah Rivera – both of whom have already committed to play for the U of M in 2019. Alcaraz is a multi-purpose pivot who is a threat to run or throw the ball, while Rivera is a tremendous athlete coming out of the backfield.

Wilks says that the passing game will be a strength, and it’s hard to argue with that logic, as along with Rivera, the team will also have six-foot-three, Team Manitoba U18 member Kaiden Bannon and Recruit Ready athlete Everrett Findley to toss the pigskin to.

Defence: The team lost two impact defensive linemen to U SPORTS this offseason, with Kieran Cummings moving on to play for the Saskatchewan Huskies and Tyrece Viner-Cox suiting up for the Calgary Dinos. Despite this, Garden City will still be a threat defensively, particularly in the secondary where almost the entire unit from last year returns.

Team Manitoba U18 members Alcaraz and Rivera, along with Reese Francey will anchor the defensive backfield. The first two have committed to play for the Bisons specifically as DBs, while Francey — a senior — has been a starter since his sophomore year and has an amazing story, having battled through cystic fibrosis for many years.

Additionally, senior middle linebacker Tyson Nigussie-Ahmo will be relied upon as a playmaker, along with junior offensive/defensive lineman Brennan Vaarmeyer.

Short and long-term goals

As has been the case ever since Wilks began his tenure as head coach for Garden City, the team will be expected to play “mentally strong and disciplined football.” The long-term goal, as it is every year, is to compete with the top teams in the province.

WHSFL Team Preview: Kildonan East Reivers

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Joseph Heyward will lead the Reivers front four on defence. Photo by hudl.com.

Team: Kildonan East Reivers

Head Coach: Jason Hawkins, 6th year

Conference/Division: Vidruk Conference, Division 2

2017 Regular Season Record: 5-2

2017 Playoff Record: 2-1 (Lost to DMCI in Canad Inns Bowl)

Jason Hawkins has been a member of the Reivers staff since the team’s inception in 2006. During that time, he’s seen heartbreak — with three championship game losses in the first 10 years — but he’s also witnessed glory, in the form of the school’s first title, the WHSFL Bowl in 2016.

Last year, with a key number of returning players back, the squad made yet another run to the division three title game before falling short against Daniel Mac. Despite the result, the Reivers will be moving up to division two in 2018 and are looking to maintain their competitive edge against higher competition, despite losing a number of seniors that helped lead the team to last year’s championship.

Offence: Leading the team on offence will be senior quarterback/receiver Nick Ducharme, who was a member of the 2016 championship team. The versatile six-foot-one athlete is shifty and can make plays both with his arm and feet. He’ll be looked upon to step up, as last year’s MVP Deion Nelson has switched schools.

Complementing Ducharme will be a pair of juniors in running back Alex Fedrizzi and receiver Bryce Bayisabe. The former will be critical, as the team is looking to establish a strong running game this season. The latter will be a great complement to Ducharme, and has experience in the starting rotation.

Additionally, senior Josh Beaucage will be making his WHSFL debut at running back, looking to provide a strong 1-2 punch with Fedrizzi. He hasn’t played any high school football in the past due to a series of non-football related injuries and is chomping at the bit to make an impact.

Defence: With half of their starting defence graduated, a trio of juniors will be looked upon to step up, led by six-foot, 256-pound defensive end Joseph Heyward, who was another member of the 2016 championship team. He had over 30 tackles last year and a devastating pass rush that resulted in at least one sack in nearly every contest.

At linebacker, Emanuel Hailu will look to build off a strong 2017 campaign, while Kyle Campbell — a fellow 2016 championship team member — will anchor the secondary.

Short and long-term goals

With Kildonan East moving up a division, Hawkins is looking for his squad to “be competitive every week, while continuing to improve.” If this is accomplished, then the team should be able to “achieve their best football at the right time.”