By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: The Vincent Massey Trojans strike a pose after winning the JV title.

The Vincent Massey Trojans JV squad were a well-oiled machine all season, outscoring their opponents 296-21. They completed a perfect season on Thursday night with a 39-0 victory over the resilient Grant Park Pirates.

Two-time Team Manitoba U16 member Negus Lewin led the way, scoring four majors while racking up over 200 yards on ground. He would’ve had six touchdowns if not for two holding penalties that negated a score on the first play of the game, as well as a long punt return. The running back, who watches film of NFL Hall-of-Famer Barry Sanders to get mentally prepared, was quick to credit his teammates — most of whom will move up to varsity with him next season.

“This weather was tough, so I knew I’d have to grind even more,” he said. “My team helped me as well to get where I am right now. Its a group effort. If my team’s not doing well, I’m not going to do well. We all performed great which led to me performing great.

Defensively, the Trojans recorded ten turnovers, two of which came on interceptions from defensive back Nick Gilberto in the first half as they led 20-0 at halftime.

“I really want to give thanks to my coaches and my team for everything they’ve done this year,” Gilberto said postgame. “It was all about them. They rushed the QB, especially the defensive line and that was the key.”

Grant Park fought tooth and nail however, getting some key plays from their stout front four led by Sal Pasta, as well as defensive back Jake Nitychoruk, who had a forced fumble and was all over the ball. But every time the Pirates made a key play, Massey was able to respond. Starting pivot Jordan Hanslip had a stout game as well, throwing for two touchdowns as a strong complement to Lewin’s ground attack.

The win was the Trojans fourth Homerun Bowl title in its nine-year history and pushed Massey past Oak Park for the most JV titles all-time.