Category: Recaps

Winnipeg Rifles week two recap/week three primer

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Winnipeg and Saskatoon are set to do battle for the first time in 2018 this weekend in the 204. They had a barn-burning affair in the playoffs last year. Photo by Matthew Hamilton.

Regina recap

Last Saturday, the Winnipeg Rifles suffered their first blemish of the 2018 campaign, falling 29-21 to Regina in an aggressive, hard-hitting affair in the Queen City. The biggest storyline of the game occurred midway through the fourth quarter, when starting pivot Riley Naujoks took a late hit while trying to slide to the ground on a play that had broken down. His status for this Sunday’s home game against the Hilltops is currently up in the air, but thankfully the signal-caller looks to be okay going forward in what is still a relatively young season.

With Naujoks sidelined for the remainder of the fourth quarter, fifth-year Drenin Busch got the call, engineering two scoring drives that ended in passing touchdowns. He finished the contest going 9-of-18 for 114 yards, but, along with the two scores, also tossed two interceptions. Interestingly, the veteran — who recently bought his first house — is also the team’s punter/kicker and displayed a great hustle play in the game’s final 10 minutes, recovering his own punt. If he gets his number called to start this weekend, the team can rest assured knowing they’re in good hands.

The other major storyline from last weekend’s game was turnovers. The Rifles committed six offensively, with a few occurring while the team was driving into the red zone, including a fumble at the two-yard line.

Despite the result, there were some bright points. Fifth-year receiver Brendan Naujoks had a stellar game, hauling in a couple catches in traffic as well as a fourth-quarter touchdown snag. Defensively, fellow fifth-years Andrew Ricard and Donovan Hillary continued to prove why they were ranked in the CJFL Top 50 this year, flying around and making plays all day. Ricard’s performance was particularly notable, as he laid the boom down on several different Regina players — most notably on a passing play across the middle. The two defenders are currently tied for second in the conference with nine tackles each.

Another defender that had a strong performance was rookie Tyler Bueckert out of Steinbach. He was primarily brought in during the 3-4 package that defensive coordinator Justin Kasak ran at certain times, and recorded his first career sack on a broken play offensively for the Thunder. He also generated a strong pass rush on a separate play late in the game that led to a sack from defensive end Machuor Akau. The future is bright for the six-foot-three linebacker who has the size and athleticism to be a future All-Canadian.

Saskatoon primer

On Sunday, the Rifles will host the 2-0 Saskatoon Hilltops, who have won seven of the last eight national titles. The team has given up just eight points defensively this season and are looking to keep their red hot start going.

The pair’s most recent contest occurred in the 2017 PFC semi-final, where the Hilltops held on for a 28-21 win, despite 14 fourth quarter points from Winnipeg. Fifth-year receiver Griffin Shillingford led the team with 85 yards and a touchdown in the contest, while current Manitoba Bison pivot Jonathan Remple threw for 239 yards and three scores. Defensively, Hillary led the way with 12 tackles, while fellow veteran Mike Hart had seven.

Current fifth-year pivot Jordan Walls was held to just 130 yards passing in the contest but got a helping hand from running backs Logan Fischer and Joel Litt-Jukes, who each ran for over 100 yards. This year, it’s Ben Abrook who’s carrying the load for the Hilltops and is the current rushing leader with 193 yards. Interestingly, Rifles running back Mathe Mitayango trails Abrook by just nine yards for the rushing lead, and it will be interesting to see how both teams game plan defensively to stop the opposing ball-carrier.

Speaking of defence, these two teams are currently tied for the conference lead with six sacks each. Both teams have had five different players get to the quarterback, with Winnipeg’s Machuor Akau currently leading the conference with three sacks. The Hilltop’s Connor Delahey is right behind, with two.

Realistically, this game will likely come down to quarterback play, and as mentioned above there is still a question mark as to who will start for Winnipeg. In Saskatoon’s case, there is no doubt, as they house the conference’s leading passer, in Walls, who has thrown for 547 yards while completing 70 percent of his passes. It will be up to Ricard and company in the secondary to negate the Hilltop’s passing game while also giving a stout Rifles front seven the time to put pressure on last year’s Canadian Bowl MVP.

Rams beat Bisons 32-27 in pre-season action: Five thoughts

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Des Catellier readies for a snap. Photo by Chantal Zdan.

Last Wednesday, Manitoba and Regina faced off in both team’s only pre-season contest of 2018. For the Bisons, it was an opportunity to see what a number of young, promising players could do, with more than a handful of starters staying home to rest up. Below are five thoughts from the contest in the Queen City.

Catellier comes up clutch

With Scott Borden Jr. unavailable, Des Catellier was given the first half to show what he could do, and, essentially lock into the starting quarterback duties for the Bisons. He didn’t disappoint, going 11-of-16 for 159 yards, with two touchdowns.

Catellier’s only big mistake was a second quarter red zone interception that negated a possible Manitoba touchdown. Aside from that, he was excellent. What was particularly impressive was his poise, as, after throwing the costly pick, he came back and drove the team 53 yards in just 1:20, finding veterans Riley Harrison and Jesse Walker for receptions of 32 and eight yards, respectively, the latter of which was his second touchdown pass of the day. Catellier’s first passing touchdown came on a tremendous opening drive that took up 83 yards — with four different receivers getting involved — including Macho Bockru, who caught the seven yard major.

Jamie Ybarra Jr.: From Panama to the Bisons

Just mere weeks ago, Jamie Ybarra Jr. was enjoying his time with Team Canada during the flag football world championships, and wasn’t necessarily considering a return to tackle football — especially at the university level. But when Borden Jr. was unavailable, the Bisons needed a third quarterback, and the former member of the De Anza Dons (community college in Cupertino, California), Vancouver Island Raiders (BCFC) and Winnipeg Rifles (PFC), got the call.

Ybarra Jr. joined the team on Aug. 16, giving him just over a week to practice with the team. With the squad down 32-18 in the fourth quarter, he got his chance to shine, going 6-of-10 for 82 yards while also helping to engineer two scoring drives.

The incredible part of Ybarra’s story is that he nearly had has football career ended while playing for the Raiders last year, after passing out due to a blood clot just five days before the season started. With Catellier and Ybarra Jr. making an impact, as well as the athleticism and playmaking abilities of Jonathan Remple and Borden Jr., a position of concern has quickly become a major positive for the herd.

Ybarra Jr. rushes for yardage. Photo by Chantal Zdan.

Three-headed monster returns?

In 2015, Manitoba had a dangerous running attack with Rookie of the Year Jamel Lyles, shifty Alex Christie and powerful Cam Fox all threats to make big plays. They quickly earned the moniker of the “three headed monster.” That monster may be making a return in 2018, but this time with different athletes complementing Lyles, in second year power back Somto Anyadike and former CJFL All-Canadian Victor St. Pierre-Laviolette.

With Lyles not making the trip, the above mentioned duo went to work, recording a combined 132 yards rushing. Anyadike — who showed flashes of brilliance in 2017 before going down with a gruesome elbow injury — ran downhill violently, while St. Pierre-Laviolette, a former member of the Regina Thunder, displayed his explosiveness.

Fellow running backs Demi Adeleye-Olusae and Brandon “the terminator” O’Connor also made their presence felt, with the former using great vision and speed and the latter registering an impressive fourth quarter touchdown where he broke a few tackles.

Anyadike runs for yardage against the Rams. Photo by Chantal Zdan.

Plenty of depth at defensive back

With starters Marcel Arruda-Welch and Arjay Shelley not making the trip, a pair of freshmen got their chance to step up, in rangy six-foot-three corners Stephen Adamopoulos (St. Paul’s), and Markos Bockru (Minnesota Crookston). They were thrown into the deep end right away, facing former Hec Crighton winner Noah Picton, but stayed composed. Both players got their hands on multiple balls and displayed high levels of physicality.

Showing the kickers some love

Punters/kickers Brad Mikoluff and Matt Riley typically don’t get talked about unless they make a big kick or a big mistake. In this game, it was the latter. Mikoluff, who was a Canada West All-Star at kicker last year, has been booming punts all through camp, thanks in part to some sage advice that he received during the summer from Justin Medlock of the Blue Bombers. He averaged close to 40 yards on his punts and also netted a 17-yard field goal.

Riley — who is traditionally a punter and hadn’t kicked a field goal in game action in close to six years — wowed everyone in attendance in Regina late in the fourth quarter when he blasted a 52-yard field goal. He also averaged 40.7 yards per punt. Suffice to say the two veterans should be nothing short of reliable this year.

Rifles win season opener 19-3: Five thoughts

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Griffin Shillingford scores Winnipeg’s first touchdown of the 2018 season. Photo by Matthew Hamilton.

The Winnipeg Rifles opened their 2018 season on the right foot last night, knocking off the Edmonton Wildcats 19-3 at St. Vital Mustangs field. Below are five thoughts on the game from the broadcast point-of-view.

No Ritchott, no Ogidan, no problem!

Despite losing veteran running backs Micheal Ritchott and Odun Ogidan to graduation, the Rifles had nothing to worry about in the backfield, as second year Miles Mac grad Mathe Mitayango proved that he could be relied upon to be a 20+ carry back for this team. The Rifles went to the run early and often, and despite being stifled for most of the first half, they stayed persistent, and Mitayango rewarded his squad with some big gainers in the second half, which essentially closed the game out in the its dying stages.

On top of Mitayango, the team also have fifth year Austin Klein, who can relied upon as a zone-read option to complement Mitayango’s power running style, and is also dangerous out of the backfield. The scariest part, however, is that the third piece of the puzzle in fellow power runner Brandon Urciuoli wasn’t available due to a shoulder injury. He’s expected back in a few weeks, and when he makes his debut, the Rifles rushing attack will be among, if not the best in the conference.

Shillingford steps up offensively

Nineteen-year-old St. Paul’s product Riley Naujoks was making just the second start of his CJFL career last night. Interestingly, his first start also came against the Wildcats last season. He showed flashes of excellence on Saturday night, but also threw two costly interceptions when the team was driving into the red zone. But when he needed a big play to rally, he went to one of the leaders in his receiving corps.

Griffin Shillingford, a fifth year and former member of the Mount Allison Mounties in the AUS, was the guy to step up. The Rifles were trailing 3-2 in the contest with just 1:30 left in the first half. Naujoks drove the team to near midfield, and then completed his biggest passing play of the day.

Facing pressure, he scrambled outside the pocket and found Shillingford — who had adjusted his route — open near the sideline. The veteran would do the rest, making a few defenders miss while tiptoeing down the sideline for the Rifle’s first major of the season. Winnipeg went into the half up 9-3 and wouldn’t relinquish the lead from that point on.

Making a statement on special teams

Speaking of veterans stepping up, fellow fifth year receiver/returner Brendan Naujoks did just that as well. The older brother of Riley made his first critical play in the opening half, holding on to a ball over the middle despite taking a massive hit by the ever-present Tony Savchuk of the Wildcats.

Naujok’s biggest play of the day came on special teams though. Still up by just six in the second half, Naujoks took an Edmonton punt 60+ yards to the house to put the momentum permanently in the home team’s corner. The play itself was rather entertaining. Naujoks accidentally double-clutched the ball when trying to field it, which worked in his favour, as he was able to cut back against the grain to his left, where no defenders were present.

Hillary and Ricard live up to top 50 rankings

Prior to the season beginning, the CJFL put out their annual top 50 rankings. There were two Rifles on the list, with fifth year safety Andrew Ricard being ranked 14th, and fifth year linebacker — and the PFC’s leading tackler last year — Donovan Hillary, being ranked sixth. Both players lived up to the pre-season hype with stellar performances.

Ricard patrolled the deep third of the field with poise, frequently stepping up to make bone-jarring hits in a contest that featured tons of jaw-jacking back and forth. He also partially blocked a punt late in the first quarter. Hillary, on the other hand, was a dominant force in the run game, with his two biggest plays occurring on a goal-line stand late in the first half.

D-line so fine

The Rifles defence put on a near-perfect display, getting to fifth year Edmonton quarterback Justin Swedish on many occasions. Former Carleton Raven Machuor Akau led the way with two sacks, while third year Justin Kwiatkowski had a massive interception early in the fourth quarter and was in the backfield all night. The latter was also named the team’s player of the game. Fellow veteran defensive linemen Hayden Nellis and Noah Wilson were also factors in the backfield, with the latter also stepping up big on the previously mentioned goal-line stand.

Team white tops team black 19-4 in sun-soaked Rifles scrimmage

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Drenin Busch calls a play with running back Mathe Mitayango beside him. Photo by Matthew Hamilton.

This afternoon at St. Vital Mustangs Field, the Winnipeg Rifles hosted their annual team white versus team black scrimmage, as a tune up for next weekend’s season and home opener against the Edmonton Wildcats. Team white came out on top 19-4 in a scorcher, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees celsius.

The first half was filled with penalties, primarily coming from offside and illegal procedure calls. This was to be expected to an extent, as many younger players saw time due to multiple injuries to some key veterans, specifically on the offensive line.

Team Black, led by Riley Naujoks at quarterback, took the early 4-0 lead, thanks to a kickoff single and field goal from defensive back/kicker Adam Gottfried. Team white, who handed the controls to pivot Drenin Busch, bounced back with two field goals of their own however — thanks in part to some big runs by Mathe Mitayango — and led 6-4 at halftime.

Both defences were stout in the opening half, with defensive ends Machuor Akau and Noah Wilson getting to the quarterback multiple times for team black and white, respectively.

Team white opened things up in the second half, as Mitayango — who will have a key role in the offence this season — continued to roll. Busch also found a rhythm behind centre, adding two touchdown passes, one to Cole Chowen on a bubble screen and the other to Eric Klein on a great fade route. Overall, it was a solid day for the veteran pivot, who’s also suited up for the Manitoba Bisons and East Side Eagles post high school. He’s slated to be the backup behind Naujoks, but adds a critical level of experience to the squad.

“I just had to go out there and relax,” Busch said postgame. “Over the last five years playing quarterback I’ve always played so tense and put so much on me, that I knew coming into this year that I’d have to take a lot off myself and just play the game I used play back in high school.”

On top of throwing two touchdowns, Busch was also one of the kickers, and contributed all of team white’s points in the scrimmage.

“Last year and this year, my field goals have been a lot stronger than in the past,” he said. “I’m honestly not sure what’s been different, as last year I had the same holder that I’ve had since grade 10, and this year is a new holder, but everything went right down the middle again. Honestly I can’t say I’ve been doing anything differently, my follow-through has just been a lot more straight than anything.

Defensively, team black was shut out in the final two quarters, with Wilson adding a third sack.

Wilson, a Vincent Massey product and former member of the Rifles, has been away from the game for a few seasons due in part to his role as director of finance in 2016 and president in 2017 for the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ Association. This will be his last year of CJFL eligibility, and he’s looking to finish on a high note.

“I felt great, I felt loose,” Wilson said after the contest. “I’ve been taking care of my body, because I’m an old man on the field now comparatively to these younger guys running around, so keeping my body right has been key.

Everything was slowing down for me today. I felt like I was seeing plays quicker and was able to read them faster. I feel like I’m ready this year. I’m not looking back, I’m only looking forward from now on.”

The Winnipeg Rifles kick off their season this Saturday at 7 p.m. at home against the Edmonton Wildcats. The game will be played at St. Vital Mustangs field, and will be broadcast live on the Manitoba Sports Network’s Facebook page.

Team Manitoba U16 Western Challenge preview

Tomorrow, Team Manitoba’s U16 squad heads to battle in the first game of the 2018 Western Challenge, taking place in Edmonton Alberta. Below is a breakdown of what to expect, courtesy of head coach Jeff Ready.

Winnipeg Rifles introduce 2018 rookie class

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Last night, the Winnipeg Rifles announced their 34 member rookie class at the St. Vital Mustangs clubhouse.

Included in the list are 27 members from the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL), three from the Midget Football League of Manitoba (MFLM), two from the Rural Manitoba Football League (RMFL) and one each from the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) and Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA). Below is a quick breakdown of each group.

Quarterback

Kyle Logan, St. Vital Mustangs (MFLM)

Notes: Head coach Geordie Wilson and his staff found themselves in a bit of a predicament in the lead-up to the 2018 season, when intended backup quarterback Eric Matthews had to give up the game due to an autoimmune deficiency.

Thankfully, the roster is now stocked with quality depth, due to the additions of Drenin Busch and 2018 rookie signing Kyle Logan out of St. Vital. The latter helped lead the Mustangs to the 2017 MFLM title, finishing the season with 11 passing touchdowns. He also had a notable performance in the spring scrimmage last weekend that earned praise from Wilson.

Running backs/fullbacks

Ayric Dupont, FB, Oak Park Raiders (WHSFL)
Mikey De Leon, FB, Vincent Massey Trojans (WHSFL)
Tristan Kisilowsky, FB, Interlake Thunder (MFLM)
Jarett Hicks, RB, Dryden Eagles (WHSFL)
Erick Rivera, RB, Oak Park Raiders (WHSFL)

Notes: Both running back recruits excelled in their craft at a different position in high school. Rivera, a converted linebacker, was the MVP of this past season’s WHSFL CTV Bowl, rushing for over 200 yards despite playing just three regular season games at running back.

Hicks, on the other hand, was an option quarterback who finished the year with over 900 combined all-purpose yards via the ground and air. He says his biggest strength is his speed, and he isn’t worried about adjusting to being in the backfield instead of handling snaps.

“I had to make a lot of reads in high school, so [being a former quarterback] will help me know what holes to hit, when to hit them, and how to run basically,” he said.

RB Hicks, who signed on the weekend as he’s an out of town player.

Receivers

Eric Adams, Steinbach Sabres (WHSFL)
Aziz Daoud, Maples Marauders (WHSFL)
Luke McMillan, Miles Mac Buckeyes (WHSFL)
Rig Moulebou, DMCI Maroons (WHSFL)
Cody Gushulak, Grant Park Pirates (WHSFL)
Jake Roger, Sturgeon Heights Huskies (WHSFL)
Colt Beswitherick, Kerrobert Rebels (SHSAA)
Mason Rody, Dauphin Clippers (RMFL)
Ethan Paul, Westshore Rebels (BCFC)

Notes: The receiving class is loaded with notable names for various reasons. Wilson stated that of the group, Adams and McMillan both have a strong shot at playing time as rookies. Adams led the WHSFL’s John Potter (AAA) Division in receiving yards with 592, while McMillan finished his senior year fifth in receiving yards (435) in the Kas Vidruk (AA) division.

“The rookie camp was a good introduction, getting to play against the top high school players who the Rifles had recruited,” McMillan said of the selection process.

“Then getting the chance to go to vet camp and be with the returning players who are on the roster and have played multiple seasons, and getting to spring camp and having that comfort level with the players, it made things a lot easier.”

Additionally, the receivers group also includes three converted running backs, in Gushulak — who finished second in the AAA division with over 700 yards rushing — as well as CanadInns Bowl winner Moulebou and Ethan Paul, the 2015 AAA co-rushing winner. The latter is a former member of the Sisler Spartans of the WHSFL who spent last year with the Westshore Rebels, giving him a valuable year of junior football experience.

Offensive linemen

Miguel Leano, Tec Voc Hornets (WHSFL)
Mac Lillie, St. Paul’s (WHSFL)
Chase Yestrau, Sunrise Coyotes (MFLM)

NOTES: Coach Wilson has been happy with the progression made by a young offensive line all through camp, and the above three players clearly made a big impression. Lillie stands out, due to playing for the elite-level and two-time defending AAA champion St. Paul’s Crusaders. His relationship with coach Wilson also goes back 10 years to when both were affiliated with the Charleswood Broncos of the Manitoba Minor Football League.

“I think my mental game is pretty good. Definitely in high school, I would’ve liked to consider myself one of the smartest guys on the field,” Lillie says of his on-field strengths. “Going into junior, I just want to soak up as much experience as I can and gain knowledge from the veteran players.”

Defensive linemen

Noah Wilson, Vincent Massey Trojans (WHSFL)
Daniel Kabongo, Dakota Lancers (WHSFL)
Riley Kolodie, Vincent Massey Trojans (WHSFL)
Devyn Turner, St. Paul’s Crusaders (WHSFL)
Dalton Grant, Moosomin Generals, (RMFL)

NOTES: Four of these members in Wilson, Kabongo, Kolodie and Turner played in the AAA division of the WHSFL. Kolodie led the way statistically with 17 tackles and two forced fumbles, while Turner was another member of the Crusaders provincial championship team.

“The defence is really similar to the one we ran at St. Paul’s, so I felt pretty comfortable from the beginning,” Turner said of his overall performance through camp. “I want to play wherever coach tells me to go and do my job.”

Linebackers

Tyler Bueckert, Steinbach Sabres (WHSFL)
Thomas Moline, Dryden Eagles (WHSFL)
Ethan Hetherington, Garden City Fighting Gophers (WHSFL)
Trenton Vieira, Sisler Spartans (WHSFL)
Zane Dear, Sister Spartans (WHSFL)
Nosa Guobodia, Oak Park Raiders (WHSFL)

NOTES: The linebacking group is another major talking point of this recruiting class, led by Bueckert, who finished his senior year fifth in the AAA division with 38 tackles. He also added an interception, a sack, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. Wilson noted after the spring scrimmage that he has the chance to “be a day one starter.”

“I just felt confident because I had a lot of good players around me, good vets helping me out and making sure I was lined up right and doing the right things,” Bueckert said in response to his coach’s praise.

“I just have to work hard and show up and do my best to show that I’m capable of getting on the field and getting reps.”

Other notable names are fellow AAA division members Dear — who played both ways for the Spartans this past year — and Hetherington, who had 31 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in 2017.

Defensive backs

Nicolas Conway, Dakota Lancers (WHSFL)
Everett Lenz, Dakota Lancers (WHSFL)
Scott Brakel, Dakota Lancers (WHSFL)
Bryce Marino, St. Paul’s Crusaders (WHSFL)
Riley Tougas, Elmwood Giants (WHSFL)

NOTES: It’s hard not to take notice of this group as well, which includes a trio of Dakota defensive backs, led by Nicolas Conway, who Wilson could “foresee getting playing time and [pushing] for work.” All three players were instrumental in helping the Lancers make it all the way to the AAA final this past year.

The other two recruits in the secondary, Marino and Tougas, were only present for last weekend’s spring camp, but stood out, especially in the scrimmage on Sunday.

“At St. Paul’s, we do a lot of film study and every week we’re putting in new plays, so coming to spring camp here and having to pick up new plays was a lot easier,” Marino said of his performance from the week prior.

“I kind of knew what to do more, and some of the defensive plays were the same, so it made it easier.”

Winnipeg Rifles 2018 spring camp recap

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

It was a successful weekend for the Winnipeg Rifles football club, as they took to St. Vital Mustangs field for their annual spring camp. Friday and Saturday were comprised of practices, while Sunday the squad competed in a Team Black vs Team White scrimmage, which Team Black won 14-6 on the strength of two Drenin Busch touchdown passes. Below are a few comments from camp.

Running back depth

One area that the Rifles won’t have to worry about this season is running back, as they’re loaded at the position. Veterans Brandon Urciuoli and Mathe Mitayango both had great camps, demonstrating their power and athleticism.

It was fellow vet Austin Klein that head coach Geordie Wilson pointed out specifically however. Klein shone during the scrimmage at times, and is a versatile player who can line up in the backfield or at receiver.

“Austin Klein is kind of like our swiss army knife,” Wilson said after Sunday’s scrimmage. “If we go to a [five receiver package], he can go right into it, we don’t have to substitute anyone onto the field, and he did a great job on blitz pickup today too.”

Along with the three above mentioned players, Wilson was also high on rookies Jarrett Hicks of Dryden and Erick Rivera of Oak Park.

Update on the offensive line

As has been discussed in the past, the biggest area of focus for the Rifles heading into spring camp was the offensive line.

“They’re getting better,” Wilson said of the hoggies. “I’m feeling fairly confident to about eight [offensive lineman] deep that we would feel comfortable putting out on the field.”

Wilson also noted there are some younger 18 and 19-year-olds with great potential who simply need to increase their consistency.

“We have a couple players on our team that we could get to 10 with [depth-wise], but it comes down to self-motivation for a couple of them,” he said. “They’re good kids and they have the potential to be good, but they’ve got to get a little more fire in them, and consistency.”

New faces, big plays

Two rookies that stood out during the scrimmage were defensive backs Bryce Marino out of St. Paul’s, and Riley Tougas out of Elmwood — the same school that produced impact cover-man Andrew Ricard.

Marino — one of two defensive MVP’s in this year’s Winnipeg High School Football League Senior Bowl — was all over the field, both as a cover man and while stepping up in the run game, while Tougas knocked down virtually anything thrown his way.

“Both of them played well today,” Wilson said postgame. “Neither one of them were at our mini camp, but they both came in here and had good games.”

Steinbach sensations

Two players who’ve stood out during the entire team selection process, from rookie camp all the way to today, are Steinbach’s Tyler Bueckert and Eric Adams. The former, a linebacker, has great size at six-foot-three and well over 200 pounds, and has seen first and second team reps. The latter has phenomenal hands, and is versatile.

“We like them,” Wilson said of the Steinbach ballers.

“[Head coach] Jamie Peters has done a good job with them in Steinbach. Bueckert’s a kid who could be a day one starter, and Eric will push for work, but he’s also a very good placekicker, which helps when we get on the road. They’re both very good players and we’re quite happy with them.”

Getting some back-up

Wilson was thrown a massive curveball in the offseason, after learning that intended back-up quarterback Eric Matthews would have to quit the game due to an autoimmune disease. Cue 22-year-old Drenin Busch, who at one time was one of the most highly sought after quarterbacks in the province.

He made his debut this weekend, and threw touchdown passes to Griffin Shillingford and Eric Klein, while also kicking the converts on both scoring plays.

“He relaxed,” Wilson said of Busch’s performance.

“Last year he was stressed out about everything else, but he just kind of played today. He kind of knows his role, we’ve told him you’re in a backup position, but he’s also a very good place kicker and punter, so it puts you in a good spot when you have a kid that can travel with you and play as a quarterback, but can also kick for you.”

What’s next?

Next up for the squad will be the announcement of their rookie class, which will take place this Thursday at 7 p.m. at the St. Vital Mustangs clubhouse.

Prendergast helps Team Steeves knock off Team Henkewich 17-8 in WHSFL Senior Bowl

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Prior to the 2018 Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL) Senior Bowl, Sturgeon Heights quarterback Liam Prendergast knew what the game-plan would be for his squad.

“Honestly, the game-plan was [to be an] airshow, and to get the ball out there,” the Team Steeves pivot said.

“I had a rough first practice, but my second practice, I had a good time out there and the boys were all linking up, so today I was just excited. By the second and third quarter, I got into my rhythm and from there on, the game slowed down and got easier. Everyone was catching balls, getting open and doing their assignments.”

That’s exactly what happened for Team Steeves — named after the late Doug Steeves, who was a mentor and coach at all three Brandon-area high schools (Crocus Plains, Vincent Massey and Neelin) — as Prendergast and company outscored Team Henkewich 11-2 after halftime, utilizing a diverse passing attack.

Team Henkewich — named after long-time WHSFL advocate and current league commissioner Rick — took the initial lead with 2:23 to go in the first half after Oak Park/University of Saskatchewan commit Charlie Ringland called his own number. The conversion failed to make the score 6-0.

That’s when Prendergast and company started rolling. Demonstrating great clock management, the QB was able to find dynamic Steinbach receiver Sheycoy Selent on multiple plays to get Team Steeves into scoring range.

Then, with six seconds left in the half, he tossed a rocket into the bread-basket of Vincent Massey-Brandon’s Sam Steeves, who fell to the two yard-line. One play later, Fort Frances’s Sekina Scheibler was in the end zone and the game was tied after a failed two-point convert.

Prendergast would go right back to work on his unit’s opening drive of the second half, thanks to an interception by Team Steeves defensive MVP/St. Paul’s product Bryce Marino.

Two passes into tight windows to St. Paul’s receiver/Manitoba Bison commit Noah Dornn got his squad in field goal range, and shortly after, Steinbach’s Eric Adams cashed in with the triple as Team Steeves took a 9-6 lead that they wouldn’t surrender.

The remainder of the game was filled with massive defensive stops as well as turnovers — five of which were forced by Team Steeves.

But despite getting stuffed offensively, Team Henkewich’s defence also stood their ground, led by three players who will be taking their talents to other provinces in 2018 in Vincent Massey Winnipeg/McMaster commit Eryk Bujalski, Grant Park Pirate/U of S commit Chris Mushenza and Garden City/Calgary Dinos commit Tyrece Viner-Cox.

“Obviously this was my last game in Manitoba and I wanted to come out and make a statement with five sacks,” Viner-Cox said postgame. “Hopefully I can do that with Calgary, but I’m just going to keep training and be ready to go.”

Viner-Cox (25) pushes the play for Team Henkewich.

The only other major of the contest occurred with 6:37 to go in the fourth quarter, after a blocked punt set Team Steeves up at Team Henkewich’s three yard line. Three plays later, St. Paul’s running back Quinn Mulligan was in the end zone on a touchdown reception.

It’s no surprise that after the game, Prendergast had a personal conversation with Winnipeg Rifles head coach Geordie Wilson, who was clearly impressed by Team Steeves’s offensive MVP. But the mature, senior pivot appears to have his career ambitions mapped out already, as he hopes to enter the sports media field.

Prendergast with his offensive MVP sweater, alongside commissioner Henkewich.

Prendergast will be taking a year off from school this year, in order to save money to attend Camosun College’s digital communications program in Victoria, BC — a program he was previously accepted into, but deferred until 2019.

“It’s pretty much everything,” he said. “You’ve got editing on some computers, you’ve got some journalism classes. There’s a lot. I take media production at Sturgeon, so it’s basically that, plus journalism, editing and writing.”

Manitoba’s senior men’s flag football team win nationals in Saskatoon

Team Manitoba’s senior men’s flag football team gained a measure of revenge this past weekend in Saskatoon, capturing gold at nationals after settling for bronze two years prior in Halifax.

This year’s edition of the tournament featured seven other teams. Five of the squads – including Team Canada’s roster – were from Saskatchewan, while there was also one team representing Alberta and BC, respectively.

Returnees from Manitoba’s 2016 roster included PIT Football co-founder Jon Franklin, as well as former Winnipeg Blue Bomber receiver and well-acclaimed Saikel instructor Taylor Renaud.

The process of assembling Manitoba’s roster began in February, with the squad consisting of a number of players who were already key members of the PIT league.

“A lot of the trip was self funded by Mike Laping the head coach,” says Jamie Ybarra Jr., who spent this past season with the Vancouver Island Raiders of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL).

“Jon Franklin also gave us enough preparation and playing time by going through (the PIT league).”

Manitoba rolled through their first two opponents in the four-team Pool A, defeating their competition by a combined score of 90-0. Former Winnipeg High School Football League Rookie of the Year Julian Banares was the catalyst during the day one drubbings, playing shutout defence all day long.

“Something clicked, I guess. I was pretty zoned in during all of our games,” he says. “It was pretty much the want and will to win.”

On the second day, Manitoba ran into the powerhouse Team Canada, which, among others, consisted of Chris Bauman, a former first overall pick in the 2007 CFL draft, as well as former Grey Cup champ Chris Getzlaf. Neither team had lost a game to this point, and the outcome would decide the winner of Pool A.

Team Canada got the best of the Manitoban’s in their round robin matchup, defeating them by more than two scores. Despite the loss, ‘Toba remained optimistic.

“It wasn’t that they outplayed us, we were just making little mistakes, and those end up costing you big in a condensed format,” Ybarra Jr. says.

“We knew we had the talent and chemistry to compete with Team Canada, we just needed to make sure we played an almost perfect game, and stayed committed to what we were doing.”

Following a 2-1 record in round robin play, Manitoba crossed over to Pool B, where they squeaked out a 16-13 win. Yet again, their defence came up clutch.

The following day, it was onto the semi-finals, where Manitoba defeated one of the Saskatchewan teams, the Blackshirts, 36-13. Team member Brandon Poulin, a former member of the Manitoba Bisons, and recent recruit of the Valley Huskers in the CJFL, was the star of the game.

[Brandon] Poulin had 3-4 touchdowns and nobody could touch him,” says team member and current Manitoba Bison Riley Harrison, who’s been participating in the PIT league for the last three years.

“That one was the Poulin show.”

Manitoba’s victory set up a rematch with Team Canada, and there’s no doubt that the ‘Tobans had revenge on their mind.

“No one wanted us to win, and no one thought we were going to win,” Harrison says. “It was kind of that vibe, because there were a lot of Saskatoon players on that team, and since we were in Saskatoon, they had a bunch of fans there.”

Manitoba set the tone early, getting a key defensive stop. On the ensuing drive, Harrison punched in a major, and Poulin secured the convert. The next series was much the same, with Poulin scoring, followed by a successful convert.

Despite a valiant effort from Team Canada, it wasn’t enough, as the Manitoban’s earned the gold medal with a 16-13 win. There were three and outs and interceptions both ways, but Team ‘Toba was ultimately able to get the job done.

“When we got the opportunity to play against [Canada] in the gold medal game, we knew what kind of adjustments we needed to make, especially defensively, and the offence also figured out which formations they needed to run to be successful,” Ybarra Jr. says. “We started out really strong in the gold medal game and then the defence held up huge.”

To top it all off, the soft spoken and humble Banares was named Defensive MVP of the tournament. His performance earned him a selection to Team Canada’s roster for the World Flag Football Championships, which take place later this year in Panama City.

Banares after receiving individual recognition.

“To be completely honest, getting selected was completely unexpected. I went out to Saskatoon with no expectations whatsoever besides going there and playing and winning the championship,” he says.

“Aside from the personal achievement, I really didn’t expect the invite, so now it’s just going to be preparing for that tournament, and playing at another level of competition which I haven’t experienced before.”

Bison football 2018 spring camp recap

This past weekend, close to 115 football players took to the U of M’s outdoor turf fields for the Manitoba Bisons 2018 spring camp. Manitobafootballfeed.net caught up with head coach Brian Dobie following the team scrimmage on Sunday afternoon to get his thoughts on the three day camp.