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
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
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
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
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
- Isaac Dokken, Steinbach Sabres (18.7%)
- Kyle Watt, Grant Park Pirates JV (18.6%)
- Brady Meeks, Fort Frances Muskies (16%)
- Aashanti Tshiovo, Manitoba Fearless (10%)
Coach of the Year
- Mitch Harrison, Dakota Lancers (21%)
- Brian Dobie, Manitoba Bisons (20%)
- Barry Berard, East Side Eagles (19%)
- Dan Washnuk, Miles Mac Buckeyes (16%)
Performance of the Year
- Brady Meeks breaks two WHSFL Div 3 passing records against Churchill (50%)
- Aashanti Tshiovo records over 500 all-purpose yards in U18 Red River Cup game (21%)
- Rifles pivot Riley Naujoks throws for 575 yards against Regina (11%)
- 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
- Fort Frances wins first-ever WHSFL title (28%)
- WHSFL alum Nic Demski, Andrew Harris and Thomas Miles (plus MMFA/MFLM alum Geoff Gray) win Grey Cup with Winnipeg (19%)
- Manitoba hosts Canada’s first-ever inter-provincial girls’ tackle football tournament (13%)
- Manitoba Fearless host first-ever home playoff game (11%)
Team of the Year
- Fort Frances (30%)
- Grant Park JV (28%)
- Miles Mac (12%)
- St. Paul’s (10%)
Rookie of the Year
- Mataeo Mohamed, Kildonan East Reivers (30%)
- Caden Caligiuri, Dakota Lancers (17%)
- Austin Balan, Manitoba Bisons (15%)
- Madison Siwicki, Manitoba Fearless (14%)
Warrior Award
- 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%)
- OL Giordano Vaccaro (Played in the ANAVETS Bowl for St. Paul’s with a high ankle sprain) (19%)
- 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%)
- 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
- DB/RET Andrew Ricard — Elmwood and Winnipeg Rifles alum (Helped the Calgary Dinos win their first Vanier Cup since 1995) (33%)
- QB Andreas Dueck — Vincent Massey Collegiate alum (Led McMaster to an upset of Western in the 2019 Yates Cup) (27%)
- 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%)
- Brandon Poulin — Grant Park alum (Named a CJFL All-Canadian for the second consecutive season with the Valley Huskers) (18%)