Over the years, the Manitoba Major Junior Football League (MMJFL) has been home to some of the province’s top football stars. A number of these athletes plied their trade in other leagues, before cementing their legacy in the MMJFL. The storied St. Vital Mustangs program can speak on this topic firsthand. Players like Ray Cruz (Laurier, U SPORTS) and Peter LeClair (Vancouver Island, CJFL) have made St. Vital their home over the last few years and have seen the talent the major league provides on a weekly basis. This year, they’ve been joined by other top-tier players including Jake Richardson (Winnipeg Rifles, CJFL), Ethan Danell (Winnipeg Rifles, CJFL) and Easton Montour (Valley Huskers, CJFL). 

Richardson and Montour, who live together, have been part of a lights-out Mustangs defence that’s undefeated and has been the class of the league through three weeks of play. They haven’t allowed a touchdown in two of those contests, including their last game against defending champs East Side prior to the thanksgiving break, where they shut out a versatile Eagles squad 33-0.

Playing in the MMJFL has rekindled the pair’s love for the game. Richardson was a starter for numerous years for the Rifles, but felt it was time to move on after 2019, while Montour – who had 70.5 tackles as a senior at Sisler High School and was named the Division 1 Defensive Player of the Year – was away from the game following the 2018 season with Valley. 

“I went out to Valley and played out there, but I suffered a couple of concussions which kind of pushed me away from the sport. I just went the work route and was working 9-5. It was actually [Mustangs receiver] Jude Tanghe that told me to come play. They were a week into their practices, and here we are,” says Montour. 

“It feels great. Especially with the group that we’ve got. I’ve got a bunch of friends already from previous teams on this team. It just feels good to be back.”

Montour and Richardson, neither of whom are the biggest athletes on the field, pride themselves on being physical. They’re both exceptional tacklers who set the tone of the game, while Richardson, a halfback, is also a dangerous punt returner. Montour, a SAM linebacker who was highly sought-after by a few different U SPORTS schools, is just as capable in coverage. He’s had an interception in back-to-back weeks, and took one back to the house in the team’s most recent game against the Eagles.

“I definitely like to set the tone as much as possible for sure. It’s just something about blowing up another man that kind of gives you a lot of energy. It’s something that I take pride in,” he says. 

“[On the interception], I was kind of just reading [the quarterback’s] eyes and I knew that I had a slant coming in behind me. His eyes were the giveaway. It was basically just the same position that I caught it last week and the same kind of play, but this time I was able to return it for a touchdown.”

Tomorrow at 3 pm, the Mustangs will host Westman, looking to cap off an undefeated regular season. For Montour, the key in the game and all season has been communication. 

“Our defensive coordinator really emphasizes just doing our jobs and trusting the guy next to us. It’s all about that, and we’re all ballers. We have a solid d-line and a bunch of guys that can come into the rotation, a sweet linebacking corps and our DB corps is awesome as well.”

Click here to read Montour’s background in full.