Category: Recaps

Rifles’ receiver Solypa scores twice, Team White tops Team Black 31-1 in first scrimmage since 2019

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

It’s been close to two years since veteran receiver Timmy Solypa and the rest of the Winnipeg Rifles stepped foot on St. Vital Mustangs field for an organized tackle football game. The COVID-19 pandemic put the sport on hold, but last weekend, the streak was snapped as close to 80 players strapped on the pads for a team scrimmage in preparation for the Rifles’ season opener on Aug. 22. 

It’s safe to say that Solypa made his presence felt. Playing for team white – who won the contest 31-1 – the big-bodied pass-catcher scored a touchdown on the squad’s first play from scrimmage, and added a second later on, while recording over 100 yards. He came into camp in spectacular shape, showcased his speed and was nearly untouchable in the open field. 

With over 20 veterans choosing to move on from the sport during the pandemic, the often soft-spoken Solypa – who led the Rifles in receiving yards (475) and receptions (34) in 2019 – knew he’d be taking on an increased leadership role for 2021, something he’s fully embraced after being away from the game. 

“The first thing I did when I stepped on the field was just scream. It was an amazing feeling. It’s great to be back,” he said with a humungous grin post-game. 

“This is what I missed most about football. Being at the bomber game last Thursday, hearing the crowd in person was unreal. I missed that so much. You want to bring it here. You’ve got to get these young guys fired up and be emotional and get loud. If you’re loud, it brings everyone up. That’s a big role I’ve wanted to play. Having two years off, I haven’t really yelled.”

Timmy Solypa takes a defender with him to the end zone

Solypa, a Murdoch MacKay alum who had 677 yards over multiple seasons playing for Kamlooops prior to joining the Rifles, stayed quite busy during COVID. He works full-time from 8:30-4:30 at a chemical plant, and in his free time he was either training or spending time with family. Once the sport came back, he immediately made it his priority, shutting the outside world off. 

“I live outside the city, so I drive in every single day 40 minutes. It’s a quality drive here and back, having practice at night and working the next morning, I come here early every single day because I don’t really have any place to be. Once you’re here, you just focus on football. You don’t focus on anything else like your family issues. It’s all about football, and once you leave, everything comes back.”

Solypa is part of a Rifles’ offence that will see serious changes in 2021. Former starting quarterback Riley Naujoks is suiting up with the Manitoba Bisons in the fall, and the Rifles brought in ten quarterbacks to compete for the starting spot. Of the pivots, fellow Murdoch alum Carter Kutzan – a versatile athlete who’s played all over the field during his career – and multiple-time MMJFL champion Bryson McNeil have emerged as top contenders to start in week one. 

  • Carter Kutzan
  • Bryson McNeil
  • Matthew Graham
  • Thomas Hubbard

McNeil took all of the starting reps in the first half for team black, while both of Solypa’s touchdown receptions came from Kutzan, including one where he evaded a defender, keeping the play alive with his feet and eventually finding the fifth-year receiver with a strike down the far sideline. Additionally, Oak Park alum Thomas Hubbard threw multiple touchdown strikes for team white, while CTV Bowl champ Matthew Graham from Miles Mac has also received rave reviews from players and coaches alike, and fellow veteran Kyle Logan took reps at pivot and receiver, making his presence felt with a big gain as the latter.

With reference to the receivers, Solypa, Jake Roger and Luke (Spidey) McMillan are all going to be key to the squad’s success having been with the team for numerous seasons. Still, Solypa has identified aspects of his game, both vocally and performance-wise that he’d like to improve on in order for the grey gunners to execute once the regular season kicks off in a few weeks. 

Luke McMillan

“Catching every single football. I’ve had a few drops in the past where it’s second and five and you run a hook and you just can’t catch it, so improving my hands was a real big one, and getting off guys, so my hand movements and ripping guys and getting faster hands to get open,” he says. 

“We lost a lot of older people, and we have so many rookies here. Entering into what was supposed to be my fourth year, but is technically my fifth, I’ve learned so much. I’ve been to Kamloops, I’m here now, and just from two different teams, you learn so much and you meet so many people. Who I had to mentor me, I’ve walked into the perfect situation. I’ve taken what I know and I’m just teaching the younger players and am helping them out. I might not be the best at it myself, but I know that it works.”

Winnipeg Rifles announce 2020 recruiting class

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

This past Monday, the Winnipeg Rifles unveiled their list of commits for the 2020 season. Due to COVID-19, there was no formal rookie camp, therefore meaning that past performance mattered more than ever. Below you will find information on a number of notable additions from each side of the ball. For the complete list of recruits, please click here.

Quarterback depth addressed

Head coach Geordie Wilson and his staff identified a key need with this year’s recruiting class: quarterback depth.

Fourth-year gunslinger Riley Naujoks — who had the best season of his CJFL career in 2019 with 302 passing yards per game and 2118 yards overall — is expected to return. His status past 2020 is uncertain however. Teams such as the Calgary Dinos and Manitoba Bisons were interested in his services this offseason , and with that in mind, it made sense for the squad to invest in the future.

On paper, this group of quarterbacks — which includes six 2020 recruits — are the best talent-wise that the team has had under Wilson. The major question will be how many stick at the pivot position and how many, if any at all, are moved to other spots down the line. At this time, the plan is for every player to get a look under centre.

“We believe there are a number [of commits] that can develop into good quarterbacks in our league,” Wilson said. “We will cross the bridge later on as to what happens moving forward [with the group].”

Perhaps the biggest addition the team made at quarterback was Manitoba Major Junior Football League (MMJFL) alum Bryson McNeil. The even-keeled veteran of the Transcona Nationals/East Side Eagles is fresh off of an MMJFL three-peat and brings with him a winning mentality, coupled with a wealth of understanding thanks offensive guru Barry Berard.

“He’s great,” McNeil said of his time learning under Berard.

“We’ll always text and he’ll break down stuff for me, and that’s the main thing. He’s so fundamental about everything. He breaks down everything and is all about the small things. He brings out the best things about you and pushes you to be a better player.”

The remaining crop of pivots in this year’s recruiting class come courtesy of the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL).

The key word to describe the WHSFL additions is versatility.

In Fort Frances’ Brady Meeks, Murdoch Mackay’s Carter Kutzan and Oak Park’s Thomas Hubbard, the team has three multi-faceted players who can make plays with both their arm and legs. In Kelvin’s Daniel Moroz, Winnipeg gets an intelligent passer (3.5 GPA) with tons of upside, while St. Paul’s alum Anthony Zarow — who also had interest from the MMJFL’s St. James Rods — brings a winning mindset.

Meeks is one of six Muskies that will be on the Rifles’ roster in 2020, showcasing the talent that has come out of Ontario in recent years. This past season he led Fort Frances to their first-ever WHSFL title, recording over 1600 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns while also being named the Division 3 Most Outstanding Player.

“We really wanted to change what football looked like in our town,” Meeks noted of his experience with the Muskies. “I’m proud to say I think we made a difference.”

While Meeks — a smaller, shiftier athlete — hasn’t specifically been told where he’ll be playing this season, the assumption is that he’ll suit up at quarterback. If it turns out that the squad needs help in other areas, he’ll be an asset, as he has previous experience as a running back and could be used as a scatback.

Kutzan — who stands at 6’0″, 190 — presents a similar skill set to that of Meeks, but is perhaps the more polished of the two throwers, depending on who you ask. He had just under 1500 all-purpose yards and 14 scores in 2019, helping the Clansmen make a successful transition back to the Division 1 level. Much like Meeks, he’s the type of player who can be utilized at multiple positions.

Hubbard — a Division 1 quarterback — had six passing touchdowns a year ago but also lined up at receiver. His strong football IQ will be a benefit wherever he lines up.

Moroz, who’s 6’1″, 170, also played at the Division 1 level in 2019, and was the starting quarterback for a pass-heavy Kelvin team for multiple seasons. The former WHSFL Rookie of the Year was second in Division 1 in passing yards last year with 1485, and received excellent tutelage under former Rifle and current Clippers offensive coordinator Eric Matthews.

“Daniel is a smart, mature football player. He has natural leadership skills and is one of the hardest working kids I’ve encountered,” noted Matthews.

“On the field, he’s a true gamer. He enters junior football with a tremendous amount of experience behind centre, which should translate into a productive career with the Rifles.”

The rich get richer at receiver

Without a doubt, one of Winnipeg’s biggest strengths last season was their talent and versatility at the receiver position.

Local product and Kamloops transfer Timmy Solypa (fourth-year eligibility) had a successful return back home, finishing seventh in the PFC with 475 yards and a score, while third-year Jake Roger — who made immense strides in 2019 — also finished in the top ten with 391 yards and two majors.

Additionally, third-year Luke McMillan — one of the nicest men you’ll ever meet off the field — also had 241 yards and is primed for an all-star calibre year in 2020, while fifth-year Eric Klein and third-year Sheycoy Selent were also playmakers.

Losing Tyler Hodgson to the UBC Thunderbirds and Mathe Mitayango to the Bishop’s Gaiters certainly hurts, however with Solypa and Klein’s size, along with Selent’s speed and Roger and McMillan’s high catch radius and fearlessness in traffic, there isn’t likely to be a drop-off.

Couple that with a spectacular crop of recruits and the team will be more than fine.

Among the Rifles’ list of commits at receiver are four former WHSFL champions in Miciah Stone (Miles Mac), Carson Noga (Fort Frances), Riley Ho (Vincent Massey WPG), and Luke Cameron-Brandstrom (St. Paul’s). The team also secured the services of dual-sport star Liam Stephenson (Kelvin) and jack-of-all-trades playmaker Luc Rodrigues (Grant Park).

Stone, Cameron-Brandstrom, Noga and Rodrigues are all smaller, shifter targets with a good combination of speed and reliability. Ho and Stephenson on the other hand, provide the Rifles with some size.

Stone, who models his game around Julian Edelman, is a consummate teammate. He was a huge reason why the Buckeyes were able to win the CTV Bowl in 2019 — their first championship since 2005 — recording 321 receiving yards and six touchdowns, while Cameron-Brandstrom is fresh off of an ANAVETS Bowl win with the Crusaders and, along with Stone, was on Team Manitoba’s U18 squad last season.

Noga will be re-united with his high school pivot Brady Meeks, which could reap rewards for the program in the long-run. The pair connected for 351 yards and five majors in 2019, and were particularly dangerous in Fort Frances’ playoff run.

Rodrigues was all over the field for the Pirates in his senior year, offering up his skills as a pass-catcher, running back and quarterback. He has excellent game speed and is fearless going for the football.

Ho — who stands at 6’1″ — was one of Massey’s best players in their 2018 ANAVETS Bowl win over St. Paul’s and finished his senior year with a team-leading 202 yards receiving in six games. He’s also a capable return specialist and physical blocker.

Arguably the most intriguing addition to Winnipeg’s receiving corps in 2020 is Liam Stephenson. Standing at 6’5″, 220 pounds, he stands a good chance at replacing the big-bodied Tyler Hodgson at slotback/h-back if the team opts to go for a similar look offensively with new coordinator Marsh Burnett-Joseph.

“Liam is an extremely hard-working, coachable and competitive individual,” added Matthews of his former receiver.

“He has tremendous size and athleticism that should allow him to help the Rifles at a multitude of positions.”

Promising crop of linebackers will have room to grow

Winnipeg’s linebacker group has been a constant force over the last number of years.

With fifth-year Cole Sneesby (fifth in the PFC with 46 tackles, tied for third with 3.5 sacks) and fourth-year Stephen Hart (24 tackles in five games), along with rising stars such as fourth-year Barrett Mueller and third-years Thomas Moline and Tyler Bueckert, the position looks sound entering 2020.

You can never have too much depth though, and the program has continued to build with the likes of Joshua Paulic (Dakota), Ethan Papineau (Dakota) Brandon Palichuk (St. Norbert) and Colten Allen (Fort Frances).

Paulic and Papineau were two huge reasons why the Lancers were able to post their best-ever regular season finish at the Division 1 level in 2019. The former had 50 tackles, two sacks and an interception, while the latter — who will be making the transition to linebacker — was a stud on the defensive line, finishing with 47 tackles and eight sacks.

Papineau has plenty of upside, having been courted by the Mount Allison Mounties in the AUS previously and is also a beast in the weight room, which translates on the field.

“I just like to get in the backfield and hit as many people as possible,” he said prior to the start of his senior season.

“I keep my motor running, I stay low and I punch guys in the mouth.”

On top of the pair of Lancers, Palichuk, who stands at 5’11”, 205 pounds, was a two-way machine during his time with the Celtics. The middle linebacker led the team with 43 tackles a year ago and brings plenty of physicality to the roster, while Allen was Fort Frances’ Most Outstanding Defensive Player a season ago (66 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles, one interception).

Wright, Hirst, Safiniuk highlight additions in the secondary

Much like the linebackers group, Winnipeg has plenty of depth in the secondary. Veterans Troy Wilson, Zach Wood, Jake Richardson and Domenic Horvath anchor the group, along with key additions last year in Alex Minor, Keyshawn Gaskin and JoJo Funk-Clements, among others.

The new signees for 2020 include ANAVETS Bowl champions AJ Wright and Isaiah Hirst from St. Paul’s, along with Interlake Thunder alum Carter Safiniuk, who has spent the last few two years with the storied Langley Rams program in BC.

Wright — the relative of Trevor, another former Crusader standout — is a physical halfback who can also step up in the run game. The provincial team alum’s tenacity and capable tackling abilities (22 total last year) make him an immediate asset.

“I bring a lot of intensity,” Wright said prior to the start of the 2019 season.”

“I like to do a lot of meathead stuff. I just like to hit for hit for no reason sometimes.”

The top ten moments from Manitoba amateur football/people’s choice award winners

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Kildonan East quarterback Mataeo Mohamed was named Rookie of the Year in the inaugural Manitoba Football Feed people’s choice awards.

It was another stellar year of amateur football in the province of Manitoba, as our athletes continued to show out both locally and nationally. Below are the top ten moments from the year that was.

10. Manitoba’s Most Wanted take home inaugural Canadian Flag Football League crown

Trysten Dyce had a memorable year on the field in 2019, setting career highs as a receiver with the Manitoba Bisons, as well as earning Offensive MVP honours with Manitoba’s Most Wanted during nationals of the inaugural Canadian Flag Football League season.

It’s no secret that Manitoba is elite when it comes to flag football.

In 2018, mastermind Mike Laping’s senior men’s squad won at nationals and a year later, Manitoba’s Most Wanted — a roster that included U of M Bisons Trysten Dyce and Josh Robinson — secured the inaugural Canadian Flag Football League (CFFL) crown.

The CFFL, an adult five-a-side league, was created to highlight the increasing growth of flag football across the country and also to prepare the national teams for international competition. 

Interestingly, Dyce and Robinson’s Manitoba’s Most Wanted (MMW) squad wasn’t originally pencilled in for nationals. They fell in the semi-finals of regionals to a Saskatchewan North squad that included many former and current Saskatchewan Huskies such as second-year defensive back Charlie Ringland and alumni Kyle Siemens, Drew Burko and Mitch Hillis. 

But after a few teams from the Ontario region were unable to make it, Manitoba’s Most Wanted got the call. They were one of two Manitoba squads that advanced, the other being Laping’s Team Canada squad.

“Coming into the tournament we knew it was going to be a grind,” said Dyce, who balled out as both a quarterback and receiver. 

“We knew for the most part that the three teams that had made it from the western regionals were going to be the best teams. All the rosters were stacked so we had to prepare and get in some really solid work.”

Despite going 1-3 to start nationals, MMW bounced back in the elimination stage, including a 29-23 semi-final victory over Saskatchewan South. Then it was all hands on deck, as Manitoba and the Montreal Braves went shot-for-shot in the final with the latter coming out on top 40-39. 

“That was probably one of the best games I’ve thrown,” added Dyce, who was named Offensive MVP of the tournament.

“I was a little bit banged up heading into it because of the seven games we played I probably only took about six series off and was running on fumes. We came out and tried to work underneath and execute our game plan. I took a sack that I probably shouldn’t have that let them get back into the game early and then after that it was just a dog fight going back and forth.”

As national champions, Dyce, Robinson and company also earned the right to represent Canada at the 2020 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Flag Championships in Denmark.

9. Recruit Ready advances to Pylon 7v7 national championships in Atlanta

It’s no surprise that year after year, Recruit Ready — founded in 2013 by Blaire Atkinson and Brad Black and widely regarded as one of the top training programs in Canada — has helped produce a plethora of elite football players.

Former North Winnipeg/Oak Park/UND standout and 2019 Grey Cup champion Brady Oliviera, as well as Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Zack Williams (Transcona, Murdoch, Winnipeg Rifles, Manitoba Bisons alum) are just a few recent examples of Recruit Ready ballers who have shown out both in Canada and the United States.

A key aspect of Recruit Ready’s program is year-round training on the field, including numerous trips to the U.S. to compete in 7-on-7 tournaments against some of the top prospects America has to offer (as well as other Canadian programs such as BC’s Game Ready ELITE).

This past year, Recruit Ready fielded two stellar teams, with their black squad advancing all the way to the Pylon 7v7 National Championships in Atlanta.

Members of the roster included Nathan Carabatsakis (St. Paul’s, ANAVETS Bowl champ), Trae Tomlinson (St. Paul’s, ANAVETS Bowl champ), Rhyland Kelly (Oak Park) and Steven Koniuck (Sisler) — all of whom have received substantial interest south of the border, thanks in part to their standout performances at numerous 7v7 events.

Carabatsakis and Koniuck were also two of the three co-winners of the WHSFL’s Division 1 Bomber Alumni Most Outstanding Player award in 2019, while fellow team black member Zachary Wynne (St. Paul’s) tied the WHSFL Division 1 record for touchdown receptions in a season this year, with 11 (more on that later).

“It’s just different competition,” Koniuck, a four-year member of Recruit Ready said of his experience playing down south.

“Down there it’s the best players in America for high school so it’s just good competition and we got better from it.”

8. Vincent Massey Trojans DB/REC Shad Nkiasi returns from torn meniscus, helps his squad advance to ANAVETS Bowl

Recent Manitoba Bisons commit Shad Nkiasi was a key part of Vincent Massey’s success both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball in 2019.

While the versatile athlete’s play on the field was impossible not to notice, he also had to overcome adversity after suffering a torn meniscus against St. Paul’s midway through the regular season.

Nkiasi patiently waited for the right time to return to the field, doing so in memorable fashion in the WHSFL Division 1 semi-finals against Dakota where he recorded the game-sealing pick six in a 14-9 victory.

“It all started with the medical staff and my trainer Jill Neufeld,” noted Nkiasi.

“She was really there for me with getting my knee rehabilitated and she gave me my brace too. Every week we would practice and try to get my knee better by working on cuts and stuff. After that it was just a matter of when the right time was to show up in game.”

7. St. Paul’s receiver Zachary Wynne ties WHSFL Division 1 record with 11 touchdown receptions

Wynne poses with St. Paul’s head coach Stacey Dainard (L) and PIT Football’s Jon Franklin (R) shortly after being named co-winner of the Harry Hood award.

As mentioned earlier, senior St. Paul’s receiver Zachary Wynne had one heck of a season in 2019, both with Recruit Ready and the Crusaders.

In terms of his tackle accomplishments, Wynne was unstoppable as the favourite target of ANAVETS Bowl Offensive MVP Te Jessie. He recorded 558 receiving yards and a WHSFL Division 1 record-tying 11 touchdown receptions in the regular season and was also dynamite in the playoffs, helping the Crusaders take back the ANAVETS Bowl.

Wynne was also honoured at the end of the season as the co-winner of the prestigious Harry Hood Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to a high school football player(s) who exemplifies the standard in playing ability, school citizenship, fair play and scholastic standing.

The dynamic pass-catcher — who’s also a star on the basketball court — was quick to thank Recruit Ready for helping him develop into the player he is today.

“They’ve played a big role. I first started with Recruit Ready in grade nine. I played behind a bunch of great receivers such as [Manitoba Bisons] Vaughan Lloyd and Trysten Hutter. They taught me a lot and helped me become who I am today.”

6. Manitoba Fearless host first-ever home playoff game

Game-changing Fearless running back Hallie Eggie runs the rock against Regina

It’s impossible not to mention the Manitoba Fearless when discussing historical women’s tackle football programs in the nation. Pioneered in the mid-late 2000’s by the likes of Tannis Wilson and Lisa Zueff-Cummings, the program existed a full two years before the debut of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League (WWCFL). 

There from the start has been Craig Bachynski, a key pillar in the amateur football community for over 30 years and two-time member of Team Canada who recently passed head coaching duties off Manitoba Bisons alum/former defensive coordinator Brett MacFarlane. He capped his final year as lead man off in style, helping the Fearless to their first-ever home playoff game against Regina.

“Where it started was a bunch of fun -loving people just wanting to play the sport. It’s gone from the rec mentality up to now having a more serious, elitist kind of attitude,” Bachynski says. 

“We now have ladies who work out together 3-4 times a week and then they play football together. The pressure they put on each other to be better has gotten them to a high level.”

A number of those athletes such as pivot Madison Siwicki, running back Brenna Hargrave and receiver Aashanti Tshiovo are products of the Manitoba Girls Football Assocation (MGFA). The MGFA was founded in 2011 by Wilson and Zueff-Cummings and gives young prospects a chance to hone their skills before moving up to the WWCFL at an older age.

“We’re starting to get the fruit from that league,” added Bachynski. We’re starting to get ladies who’ve progressed and played since they were 12, 13 and 14 and are now 17, 18 and 19.”

5. Valour wins first MMFA title

The Valour Patriots Football Club was founded in 2009 in order to fill the community football void in Winnipeg’s west end, as well as to create a pipeline for further development at the high school level at Daniel McIntyre.

The implementation of the program has been successful on both fronts over the years. In terms of DMCI, they captured the CanadInns Bowl just two years ago with a roster than included Patriots alum such as versatile receiver/quarterback Ethan Schnerch.

At the community level, Valour captured their first-ever MMFA title this year, as their peewee squad edge out fellow powerhouse Charleswood in a contest that was memorable from start to finish. Athletes such as Onan Furst and Dillano Glaud showed out all year long and will be names to remember down the line at the high school level.

The victory was also a feel-good moment for alum such as Nathan Leitao, the quarterback for the St. James Rods majors this season who was also on the Patriots’ coaching staff.

“After 11 years of ups and down the Valour Patriots have won their very first championship,” he said shortly after the game.

“Thankful for all the great players who put the effort it takes to be a champion. This one isn’t just for the patriots, its for the whole West End community supporting Valour Patriots football!!!”

4. Fort Frances claims first-ever WHSFL title

The Fort Frances Muskies — members of the WHSFL since 2001 — earned their first-ever league title in memorable fashion, setting a new record for most points scored in a championship game with a thrilling 65-49 win over Churchill Bulldogs in the Division 3 championship at the end of November.  

The storyline for the Bulldogs entering the contest was whether or not they could keep up with a high-powered Muskies offence led by Player of the Year Brady Meeks at quarterback. 

Churchill had upset the previously undefeated Springfield Sabres the week before and showed they had what it took to find the endzone, but were unable to match the electric quick-strike offence of the Muskies. 

Meeks, one of a number of impact seniors for Fort Frances, threw for a major while also running for one, while receiver Carson Noga had a massive pick six to go with a receiving touchdown and rushing touchdown and offensive MVP Sean Huziak hit pay dirt four different times. 

“It feels so great,” Meeks said postgame. 

“Just coming from 0-7 in our grade nine year and our seniors working our way all the way to the top and having a great season this year. I love my brothers. I couldn’t ask for a better team. At practice this week we went through all of our plays. We made sure we were doing everything proper. We almost made it last year and we wanted to make sure we secured the win this year.”

3. Mike Ritchott sets new U of M kick return yardage record

Mike Ritchott’s path to all-star status with the U of M in 2019 as both a running back and returner was full of bumps in the road, however the consistently positive running back/returner never lost focus or got down on himself. Instead he put his head down and got to work.

“I grew up in the north end of Winnipeg for the first nine years of my life. It was a little bit rough,” he says.

“I have six brothers and sisters as well, so things were a little bit tight on the budget, and my mom was a single parent for most of her life, so coming from that background, that’s definitely one of the things that was motivating for me and always made me want to get more in life.”

Never the biggest guy on the field, Ritchott made up for things with his fearless running style and game-changing speed. He was Player of the Year in high school and also broke records at the CJFL level. Things didn’t change in his debut season in 2019 with the Bisons, as he set a new program record for kick return yards in a season with 636, breaking a 26-year-old record set by David Courtemanche.

“He’s got breakaway speed, he’s so elusive and hard to tackle and he’s got some Anthony Coombs in him, but also a surprising amount of power and acceleration,” added Bisons head coach Brian Dobie.

“He’s going to do damage as a running back and a returner.”

2. Manitoba amateur football alum help Bombers win the Grey Cup

Nic Demski (L) and Brady Oliveira (R) at the 2019 WHSFL league banquet. Photo by Glenn Dickson.

This season, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers ended a near 30-year Grey Cup drought, dominating the Hamilton Tiger Cats to bring back the hardware.

While the feeling of finally bringing the big one home was cause enough for celebration, there were also a number of local connections on the roster, making the moment that much sweeter.

Former WHSFL standouts Andrew Harris, Nic Demski (also played for the U of M), Thomas Miles (also played for the U of M) and Brady Oliveira, as well as MFLM product Geoff Gray all contributed to a moment that will not be forgotten for quite some time.

“I really believe that if you work hard, you put yourself aside and you worry about the people that you love and that matter to you the most, that the results are going to come,” Demski said at the 2019 WHSFL awards banquet.

“Being a guy from Oak Park, born and raised in Winnipeg, going to the University of Manitoba and being drafted in the first round of the CFL draft, it really is about hard work and not putting yourself above your teammates.

1. Manitoba hosts the U18 Red River Cup — the first ever high performance tournament for girls.

There is no question that Manitoba is a pioneer for women’s tackle football in Canada. Organized in the mid-late 2000’s by Tannis Wilson and Lisa Zueff-Cummings and furthered along more recently by allies such Craig Bachynski, Maggie Yestrau, Eric Vincent and Mike Benson, the province has produced a number of stellar athletes and moments.

In 2019, the 204 took it a step further by hosting the U18 Red River Cup, the first-ever high performance tournament for girls. Full details about the success of the event and the history of women’s tackle football in Manitoba can be found below.

Additionally, below are the results from the inaugural people’s choice awards. Congrats to all winners as well as each athlete in the province for a memorable 2019!

Most Outstanding Player

  1. Isaac Dokken, Steinbach Sabres (18.7%)
  2. Kyle Watt, Grant Park Pirates JV (18.6%)
  3. Brady Meeks, Fort Frances Muskies (16%)
  4. Aashanti Tshiovo, Manitoba Fearless (10%)

Coach of the Year

  1. Mitch Harrison, Dakota Lancers (21%)
  2. Brian Dobie, Manitoba Bisons (20%)
  3. Barry Berard, East Side Eagles (19%)
  4. Dan Washnuk, Miles Mac Buckeyes (16%)

Performance of the Year

  1. Brady Meeks breaks two WHSFL Div 3 passing records against Churchill (50%)
  2. Aashanti Tshiovo records over 500 all-purpose yards in U18 Red River Cup game (21%)
  3. Rifles pivot Riley Naujoks throws for 575 yards against Regina (11%)
  4. U of M DL Derek Dufault records six tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble in a week one win over Saskatchewan (10%)

Moment of the Year

  1. Fort Frances wins first-ever WHSFL title (28%)
  2. WHSFL alum Nic Demski, Andrew Harris and Thomas Miles (plus MMFA/MFLM alum Geoff Gray) win Grey Cup with Winnipeg (19%)
  3. Manitoba hosts Canada’s first-ever inter-provincial girls’ tackle football tournament (13%)
  4. Manitoba Fearless host first-ever home playoff game (11%)

Team of the Year

  1. Fort Frances (30%)
  2. Grant Park JV (28%)
  3. Miles Mac (12%)
  4. St. Paul’s (10%)

Rookie of the Year

  1. Mataeo Mohamed, Kildonan East Reivers (30%)
  2. Caden Caligiuri, Dakota Lancers (17%)
  3. Austin Balan, Manitoba Bisons (15%)
  4. Madison Siwicki, Manitoba Fearless (14%)

Warrior Award

  1. DB/REC/P Nathan Udoh (Didn’t miss a game despite a broken collarbone from the Canada Cup that required surgery. Helped Miles Mac win the Div 2 title and was named the Bomber Alumni MOP) (50%)
  2. OL Giordano Vaccaro (Played in the ANAVETS Bowl for St. Paul’s with a high ankle sprain) (19%)
  3. REC Colby Kyliuk (Recorded a blocked punt for a TD for the U of M in week six — his first game back from a pre-season stress fracture in his foot) (16%)
  4. RB/REC Shad Nkiasi (Battled back from a mid-season torn meniscus and played a major role in semis and finals for Vincent Massey) (15%)

Out of Province Performer of the Year

  1. DB/RET Andrew Ricard — Elmwood and Winnipeg Rifles alum (Helped the Calgary Dinos win their first Vanier Cup since 1995) (33%)
  2. QB Andreas Dueck — Vincent Massey Collegiate alum (Led McMaster to an upset of Western in the 2019 Yates Cup) (27%)
  3. Sebastian Gottfredsen — Kelvin alum (Finished second overall in tackles for Niagra of the CJFL with 34, while also recording three sacks and three forced fumbles) (22%)
  4. Brandon Poulin — Grant Park alum (Named a CJFL All-Canadian for the second consecutive season with the Valley Huskers) (18%)

Kowalski, Eagles compete three-peat with 23-14 win over St. Vital in MMJFl final

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Veteran defensive back Braden Kowalski literally took the long road to play for the East Side Eagles in 2015.

An MMFA alum of the program — and later a standout for the WHSFL’s River East Kodiaks — Kowalski originally headed to Edmonton after high school to pursue a job in the oil rigs, despite making the Winnipeg Rifles roster.

But his heart was still in Winnipeg, and in the nick of time he booked it back to the 204 to be part of the first of four MMJFL titles in the last five years for East Side.

“I went to training camp with the [Edmonton] Huskies, but a bunch of stuff happened where I ended up having to come back to Winnipeg,” Kowalski says.

“I drove 18 hours straight and literally came straight to the field, because there was one spot left on the team. The rest is history.”

Kowalski sure made his presence felt last night in the finals MMJFL finals, recording two of East Side’s three second half interceptions in their 23-14 victory over St. Vital. It was the third straight year that a Transcona-based team had won the title.

Quarterback Lucas Johnston led the way offensively for the Mustangs with both his arms and feet and had his squad up 11-10 at halftime. Returner Austin Unraw also had a big game, including a big kick return that set up St, Vital’s goal line major.

But the Eagles fought back, getting a goal line touchdown from Dustin Jackson — set up by the arm of pivot Bryson McNeil — as well as a long Danny Harris touchdown to carry an early 23-14 fourth quarter lead.

St. Vital drove the ball into East Side territory on a few different occasions in the final 15 minutes, however three different drives were snuffed out by Eagles interceptions, the first of which came from captain Nick Martens.

He’s one of many players who were a part of all four championship teams and who are now officially hanging up the cleats.

“There’s no way I don’t hang out with these guys for the rest of my life,” he said.

“Winning was the best way to finish it off. I can’t express happy I am right now.”

MMJFL: Eagles move to 4-0 with 37-0 win over St. James

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Nick Martens post-game following his team’s shutout of the Rods.

The East Side Eagles (4-0) scored 23 points in the second quarter, which was enough to pace them to a 37-0 victory over the St. James Rods (1-3) this past weekend at Rods field.

The story of the contest was turnovers and field position. The Eagles got out to a 7-0 lead, scoring on their opening possession courtesy of a Bryson McNeil touchdown pass. Then, veteran defensive back Nick Martens recovered the ensuing kickoff and East Side capitalized on the following play to move up by two scores.

“I wasn’t even supposed to be on kickoff, I was filling in for someone else,” a consistently upbeat Martens said postgame.

“I came downfield and the ball was laying there half on my hand and was like alright, sweet boys.”

Down 14-0, the Rods upped their tempo. Versatile running back/receiver/returner Nate King-Wilson fought hard for some tough yards all throughout the first quarter while quarterback Nathan Leitao was able to move the chains with some effective mid-range passing.

But the Eagles defence kept their composure, getting a key third down stop along the way to enter the second frame with a two score lead.

That’s when the rails started to come off for the Rods, as they got two bad breaks in a row in punting situations.

First, Riley Tougas’ kick went off the side of his foot, setting up East Side deep in St. James territory. Then on the next drive, an intended punt was blocked. The Eagles were able to capitalize with majors in both situations and went into the break up 37-0, which was enough for the W.

Both defences also picked up the intensity as the game went along, with rising star Luc Jeanson recording a pick six for the Eagles, while Trey Garlinski also had an interception for the Rods.

“He’s really coming in good as a rookie,” Martens said of Jeanson’s performance this season. “He transitioned from a linebacker to safety and he’s just been really good for us.”

In out of town action, the St. Vital Mustangs were able to bump their record up to 3-1 with a 26-13 victory over the 0-4 Westman Wolverines.

Week six sees just one game being played, as the Rods host the Mustangs at 3 p.m. on the 21st.

Mustangs defeat Westman 27-8 in MMJFL home opener to improve to 1-1

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

The St. Vital Mustangs got an excellent performance from their defence and made key plays offensively at the right time en route to a 27-8 win over the Westman Wolverines in their home opener on Saturday afternoon.

An incredibly strong wind played a factor in the contest, with both sides struggling to move the ball through the air in the first half. The score was 11-0 for St. Vital thanks in part to three field goals from Tyler Pankiw, as well as stout play defensively that led to a Westman safety.

The biggest play of the first half came courtesy of Mustangs receiver Jude Tanghe, who made a contested grab in traffic that led to three points.

St. Vital and veteran quarterback Lucas Johnston got things moving in the third quarter, with the #cutestshowonturf founder locating his favourite target from week one, Stanton Rempel for a long touchdown as the hosts increased their lead to 20-0 entering the final frame.

But Westman didn’t go down easily. Liam Doherty recovered a fumble deep in St. Vital territory and the visitors were able to capitalize quickly, with Ryan Vandeponseele snagging a touchdown grab. Burke Erickson then hauled in the two point convert attempt to make the score 20-8.

But St. Vital took the momentum right back on the ensuing kickoff with five minutes to play, getting a long return that was finished off by running back Jeremy Gillis with 4:19 to play.

Westman’s defence got another turnover late and were threatening in the red zone once again, however the Mustangs stood strong, including player of the game Andrew Nolan.

“Coming into this week, [Westman] changed it up a lot on us from what we saw on film,” Nolan said.

“We thought they’d be going in shotgun split but they came under centre with the two backs and quick draws. We adjusted and brought the tackles inside to pinch them down and tried to bottleneck the inside and make them go to the outside, because we figured we were solid enough to hold them there.”

With the win, St. Vital advances to 1-1 as they head into their first bye of the season, while Westman falls to 0-2. There is only one game of action this week with the 1-0 East Side Eagles hosting the 1-0 St. James Rods at 8 pm at Eagles field.

Eagles, Rods victorious in opening week of 2019 MMJFL season

By: Mike Still

Feature photo: East Side celebrates after a week one victory over St. Vital

The 2019 Manitoba Major Junior Football League (MMJFL) season kicked off this weekend, with East Side and St. James coming out victorious over St. Vital and Westman, respectively.

Eagles use well-balanced attack in 44-12 victory

This is the first season that East Side is fielding a team since 2015, however a large majority of the players on the roster have been part of the back-to-back championship teams at Transcona.

“Playing East Side, we had a lot of River East kids come, because a bunch of my friends went there,” veteran defensive back Nick Martens said prior to the start of the season. “Then when we went to Transcona, they all made the drive because they wanted to keep playing with their buddies.”

One of the key offensive players during the Nationals championship run was quarterback Bryson McNeil. He looked in fine form back in Eagles colours, successfully running a no-huddle offence to start the contest which gave East Side a quick 17-0 first quarter lead and eventual 44-12 win in their season and home opener last Friday night.

The graduate of River East Collegiate distributed the ball to seven different receivers and finished the contest with 317 yards and four touchdowns.

Not to be outdone however, was new recruit Danny Harris, a veteran of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) with the Valley Huskers, as well as U SPORTS with the Manitoba Bisons.

Standing at 5’8″ the running back — who went both ways in high school for Kildonan East — used his speed and quick cuts to stymie the Mustangs defence all evening. He had nine carries for 44 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well as two receptions for 89 yards and a score — with both plays coming on swing passes out of the backfield.

The humble athlete prefers to keep the spotlight off of him and instead focuses on a team-first approach, however it’s impossible not to make note of his abilities.

“[MMJFL alum] Nolan Jackson was a phenomenal running back and we’ve had great backs in the past, but Danny is just a different kind of back,” Eagles head coach Barry Berard said postgame.

“He’s got such great acceleration and agility and his change of pace and direction is lights out.”

Defensively, East Side’s emotional leader Bradley Klassen was all over the field again. He had eight tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery while defensive linemen Daniel Driver and Brandon Hoel combined for four sacks.

Despite the score, St. Vital was still able to move the ball effectively on offence but just couldn’t finish, turning the ball over twice on third down in the red zone.

Founder of the #cutestshowonturf Lucas Johnston played admirably at quarterback with 188 yards and a touchdown. He’s proven to be a plug and play guy all through his MMJFL career, lining up at defensive line and receiver in the past. This season he’s back under centre to start the year after typical pivot Peter Leclair suffered an upper body injury.

Johnston’s favourite target was Stanton Rempel, who had 175 yards and the lone St. Vital major while also tallying a few insane grabs including a one-hander where he was falling to the ground.

Rods come out on top in defensive battle

In the MMJFL’s other action, St. James traveled to Brandon and came out with the 15-7 victory in a defensive tilt Saturday afternoon.

The Wolverines found the score board early on a pick six from Dustin Everett, however they were unable to match the Rods offensively, who recorded three field goals and also got a touchdown reception from Tyler Slusarenko.

“We had promising drives on offence but we just have to finish in the red zone,” Rods pivot Nathan Leitao said postgame.

“If we work with our receivers and our o-line we can be a dominant offence. Defence played great and I expect a lot more this season. We are very enthusiastic moving into week two against East Side.”

Next week will feature just one contest, with St. Vital hosting Westman at 3 pm. You can catch that game live on Manitoba Football Feed’s facebook account.

Familiar faces shine during Winnipeg Rifles’ team scrimmage

By: Mike Still

Feature photo: Team blue’s Tyler Hodgson fights for more yards after making a grab during the first half of play.

The Winnipeg Rifles put on a show yet again this weekend, offering up plenty of highlights during their annual team scrimmage at St. Vital Mustangs field. In the end, team blue came out on top, surviving a last-second field goal attempt from team white to capture the 20-19 win.

Plenty of familiar faces made plays in this one, led by fourth-year team blue receiver/h-back Tyler Hodgson, who scored the game-winning touchdown on a pass from starting pivot Riley Naujoks and had a few other big gainers for his side.

Last season he was the team’s second leading receiver with 248 yards and will be looked upon as one of the go-to guys in 2019 with the graduation of both Brendan Naujoks (now with Manitoba) and Griffin Shillingford (now with Bishop’s).

“It’s good, it’s always fun to play against your team,” the 6’5″, 215-pound Hodgson said postgame.

“Nothing is too serious, but it’s good to be able to show what we’ve put into it in training camp over the last two weeks and just play a game.”

Not to be outdone was fellow team blue receiver Eric Klein, another big-body veteran at 6’3, 215 pounds. He had multiple catches, including a long touchdown reception on a toss from Naujoks.

On the other side receiving-wise, third-year Gabe Grenier and second-year Luke McMillan both had notable days. The former is a versatile option with experience as a quarterback as well, while the latter saw starting time as a rookie towards the end of the 2018 season and is a viable option as both a pass-catcher and returner.

Add in former Kamloops standout Timmy Solypa, the soft hands of second-year Jake Roger, the tenacity of second-year Sheycoy Selent and the experience of fifth-year Dallas Opiola and you have the recipe for what could be a very successful passing attack.

“We’re all friends. We get along really well,” Hodgson said of the dynamic around the promising group of receivers.

“We get the playbook and nobody is messing up mentally. We’re all really dialled in. Our team, we’re really diverse. I’m the biggest guy but we have guys who are nice and quick and fast. We have threats short yardage, mid and long for sure.”

While there were plenty of flashy plays offensively — including a number of impressive downhill runs by third-year team white running back Mathe Mitayang — the defence certainly came to play as well. Both sides had multiple interceptions, including one from team white’s Barrett Mueller, picking up right where he left off after a dominant showing against Augsburg College back in the spring. His teammate, rookie defensive back Alex Minor also had a pick six.

The Rifles will now direct their focus to week one of the regular season, taking place in eight days against the five-time defending national champion Saskatoon Hilltops.

Rifles load up for 2019 with 29 local recruits

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Last weekend at IG Field, 29 rising stars of the Manitoba amateur football scene put pen to paper as part of the Winnipeg Rifles 2019 recruiting class.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters was also present for the festivities and spoke to the aspiring pros, further strengthening the already solid relationship between the two clubs, which includes a handful of Rifles attending Winnipeg’s training camp annually in the spring.

Almost all of the team’s recruits are from the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL), minus defensive lineman Lucas Davidiuk and receiver Riley Desrochers who are both products of the Midget Football League of Manitoba (MFLM).

Davidiuk was also the Matt Sheridan Lineman of the Year in the MFLM after recording five sacks, along with 63 tackles over the past two years. 

Offence

Of the 29 recruits, 16 are on the offensive side of the ball with six a piece coming from the running back and receiver positions.

Headlining the running backs group was Fort Frances alumni Sekina Scheibler, who committed to the team way back in November of 2018. He was named the 2017 WHSFL Division 3 Offensive Player of the Year after amassing 1,787 yards and 14 touchdowns. An injury sidelined Scheibler last year, making him even more eager to produce in a big way in 2019.

Other running backs that signed are Ivan Jacque (Sisler), Tristan Lawrence-Richards (Oak Park), Rusty Listmayer (West Kildonan), Nicholas Moore (St. Paul’s) and Darnell Udoh (Miles Mac) — who was a finalist for Division 2’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2018.

The receivers group was led by Timmy Solypa, a product of Murdoch MacKay who has spent the last two seasons with the Kamloops Broncos of the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC). During that time he hauled in a combined 45 receptions for 677 yards and two scores. 

A coaching change this offseason resulted in Solypa looking to explore new opportunities and he seems to have found his niche with Winnipeg. 

“Playing here, you see from the scores and the standings that the competition is so much higher,” he says of the Prairie Football Conference where the Rifles are a member. 

“There’s definitely some great players here starting and they’re only first or second-year guys. I think this season is going to be a fun one and I’m looking forward to it.”

Solypa following Rifles’ rookie camp.

Other receivers that signed on the dotted line are Desrochers (St. Vital) Ethan Danell (Dakota), Brock Gates (Kelvin), Ethan Schnerch (DMCI) and Ben Harrington (Vincent Massey Collegiate).

Schnerch was a standout during DMCI’s 2017 CanadInns Bowl victory — the school’s first championship in 39 years, while Harrington was a key target for Manitoba Bisons commit Jackson Tachinski during the squad’s undefeated ANAVETS Bowl championship last year.

The other four commits are on the offensive line, led by Division 3 Lineman of the Year Jeremy Hampshire of Elmwood. Also committing to the Rifles were Ron Anderson (Steinbach), Shawn McMillan (Portage) and Division 3 Lineman of the Year nominee Joel Truthwaite (West Kildonan).

Defence

Of the 13 defensive commits, eight come from the secondary. There’s plenty of studs, including three from Massey’s ANAVETS Bowl-winning squad in Keyshawn Gaskin, Brandon Kamenz and Teagan Simon.

Jo-Jo Funk-Clements from River East’s CTV Bowl championship team is also coming on board, along with Kyle Chorney (St. Paul’s), Alex Minor (Grant Park), Tyson Wood (Oak Park) and Andreas Kastellanos (Dakota), who has U SPORTS experience, spending last year at the University of Toronto.

“My goal this year is to make an immediate impact,” says Kastellanos.

“I want to compete from the start of training camp till November. I want to show this team what kind of player and leader I can be.”

The team also secured the commitment of four defensive linemen in Davidiuk (St. Vital), Treyshaun Bollers (Kelvin), Nathan Poetker (Steinbach), and Lucas Correia (Miles Mac), who was a finalist for the Division 2 Lineman of the Year award while also standing out during the Rifles’ rookie camp.

Last but not least was Eric McCutchin, the lone linebacker recruit out of Portage who will have the opportunity to learn and grow within a deep group that includes Bombers training camp invite Cole Sneesby as well as the Hart brothers.