Category: Recaps

Breaking down the Winnipeg Rifles 2018 rookie camp

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Photo caption: Rifles head coach Geordie Wilson chats with the troops at the end of day one of rookie camp. Photo by Matt Hamilton/Winnipeg Rifles.

Over 100 high school players from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario convened at the University of Winnipeg RecPlex this past weekend for the 2018 edition of Winnipeg Rifles rookie camp. Below are some quick thoughts from the two-day event.

 Benson and Wytinck perform well

There were seven total quarterbacks were present at the camp, but it was Daniel McIntyre’s junior pivot Kieran Benson and University of Manitoba product Julian Wytinck that stood out. Both players demonstrated their arm strength and ability to deliver accurate balls while scrambling outside the pocket.

Benson – who helped the Maroons win their first high school title in 39 seasons as a sophomore – is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects coming out of Winnipeg in 2019-20. Rifles head coach Geordie Wilson said the coaching staff brought him in in order to get the experience of practicing in a junior football-style setting, while also aiding him in his development as a signal-caller.

Benson under centre. Photo by Matt Hamilton/Winnipeg Rifles.

Wytinck’s case is slightly different. He’s been with the Bisons for the past few years, and is currently surveying his options.

“Julian, this is his last year of junior eligibility, he’s a 22 year-old. He hasn’t really played much with the Bisons, so he’s frustrated and he’s looking for an opportunity,” Wilson said.

“He’s a good kid, and we’re going to see how things work out. He’s talking about playing here perhaps, he might go to BC too, he might go back to the Bisons, I don’t know, but we’re just giving him an opportunity.

Wytinck gears up to throw. Photo by Matt Hamilton/Winnipeg Rifles.

Defensive notes

Wilson was pleased with the play of the front seven over the two days, mentioning that “there were some good defensive line players that we were aware of and obviously wanted here, and there’s three of four linebackers that I think can play in our league.”

Tyler Bueckert (Steinbach) stood out specifically from the two positional groups mentioned. He has the size to succeed at the next level, and made multiple plays as well.

Bueckert in action. Photo by Matt Hamilton/Winnipeg Rifles.

Not to be outdone was the secondary, who recorded interceptions in both the pass skeleton and team sessions. Wilson mentioned that the four Dakota defensive backs (Nick Conway, Scott Brackel, Andreas Kastellanos, Everett Lenz) that were present all stood out, while Robert Lussier (St. Vital) and Jordan Chizda (Grant Park) also had strong camps.

 What’s next?

Rifles mini camp will take place from April 21-22 at the U of M’s soccer complex. Wilson said that roughly 30 players from this weekend’s camp will be invited, but made sure to add that that doesn’t mean the others have been cut.

“Like I said to the kids, we’re not cutting the ones who weren’t invited, it’s just that we have to get our veterans ready to play as well, and then we want to see some of the younger kids, and see how they compete against our older guys.”

Five thoughts from U18 Canada versus USA

The Canadians made a statement last night in Arlington, Texas, as the U18 squad defeated their American counterparts 44-26. Canada executed in all three facets, registering four turnovers – including a pick-six – while also adding four offensive majors and three field goals. Below are five quick thoughts from the contest.

Double trouble

The Philpot twins from Seaquam Secondary in Surrey B.C. were the standouts offensively for Canada. Running back Jalen churned out big gains on the ground all night and also added a four yard score en route to being named Canada’s MVP. Tyson was just as good, adding a 46-yard touchdown reception on a play where he demonstrated his breakaway speed.

The sons of former BC Lions standout running back Cory Philpot were also a terror in the return game, setting up Canada near midfield on more than one occasion.

Game MVP Jalen Philpot makes a reception. Photo by Chantal Zdan.

Kind of a Biggs deal

Looking at the score, it wouldn’t appear initially that this contest started out as a defensive battle, however that’s exactly how things played out in the first half. The Americans drove 85 yards for a touchdown on their first drive of the game, but were stymied for the most part afterwards. The same could be said for Canada, as the U.S.A’s frequent pressure forced a number of quick throws.

The score was just 11-6 with less than a minute to play in the first half, before defensive back Jacob Biggs of Calgary, Alberta made the play of the game. He was sitting back in zone coverage, and jumped in front of an overthrown pass, taking it all the way into the USA red zone. Canada would score a major a few plays later to take a 13-11 lead – one that they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way.

Biggs was also a dangerous kick returner, setting his team up near the 40-yard line on one occasion.

JLP pulls an OBJ

It’s hard not to take notice of receiver Jahsiah Lewis-Pennicooke. The native of Saint-Hubert, Quebec stands at six-foot-five, and he used every bit of his reach in this contest, including making a tremendous diving grab while falling backwards in double coverage. The big gainer set Canada up in the red zone and they would capitalize with a touchdown a few plays later.

Clutch Couture

I have to give a quick shout out to Montreal, Quebec kicker Logan Couture, who was on his a-game all night long. He converted three field goals, including an impressive 40-yarder to keep his team in the contest early on. It’s worth noting that in American football, the goalposts are at the back of the endzone, making the attempted kick 10 yards further than an average field goal attempt in a Canadian contest.

Antoine Couture kicks off. Photo by Chantal Zdan.

Making Manitoba proud

Canada’s roster included two Manitobans, in linebacker Eryk Bujalski and defensive end Tyrece Viner-Cox. Both players had an impact on defence, as Viner-Cox demonstrated his motor with a second half sack, while Bujalski stood out in coverage, including a play where he got his inside arm over an American athlete to break up an intended pass in the flats.