Tag: WHSFL

WHSFL week two varsity Games of the Week

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Senior Austin Balan will be a player to keep an eye out for when Sisler takes on Oak Park tomorrow night. Photo by hudl.com

The 2018 WHSFL varsity schedule kicked off last week with a number of tremendous contests. Highlighting the season openers was the week 1 game of the week between St. Paul’s 1 and Dakota, which the Crusaders won 23-0. Going forward, there will be a game of the week in each division. Below is a breakdown of all three matchups that are being highlighted.

Division 1 (Gustafson conference): Sisler (1-0) at Oak Park (0-1), 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14

A classic division 1 tilt between two consistent contenders will play out in week two as the Spartans and Raiders do battle. Sister opened the season with a 14-1 victory over Sturgeon Heights, while Oak Park fell 42-3 against a high-powered Vincent Massey Winnipeg squad.

The Spartans defence was on point last week, registering four fumble recoveries, three sacks and an interception. Two of the team’s fumble recoveries were recorded by defensive back Kyle Bolton, who took one to the house. He also added three tackles.

Offensively, #CFC100 2020 receiver Steven Koniuck had an incredible 70-yard touchdown reception, where he grabbed a tipped ball with one hand and used his speed to do the rest. Austin Balan (#CFC100 2019) also had a great day on the ground for the Spartans, racking up 118 yards on 14 carries. He also added eight tackles and a fumble recovery on defence.

Oak Park struggled to stop a dynamic Vincent Massey offence last week, but did get a sack a piece from defensive back Brendan Allan and defensive end Sam Murison. Defensive back Jesse Dudych also had a fumble recovery. It will be up to these players, along with seniors such as Tyler McLuckie and James Bruin – who led the team with five tackles last week – to stop Koniuck, Balan and company, as well as put pressure on young quarterback Richard Lugumire.

Offensively, the Raiders struggled to get much going against a stout Trojans defence and will need an improved performance from junior pivot Thomas Hubbard and company. The signal-caller was held to just 67 yards on 19 attempts against Vincent Massey. Running back Ryland Kelly did average 4.5 yards per carry however, while impact receiver Justice Flett hauled in 60 of the team’s 67 yards through the air. Look for these three players to anchor the Raiders against a strong Sisler defence.

Division 2 (Bramwell conference): Neelin (0-1) at River East (1-0), 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14

It will be a classic battle of offence versus defence when the River East Kodiaks take on the Neelin Spartans tonight.

Despite a 48-30 loss to Murdoch MacKay in week one, Neelin showed that there will be no decrease in their passing production following the graduation of Dayton Black. Senior Evan Nachtigall went off for 366 passing yards and two scores in the contest. Fellow senior Kaleb Johnston also emerged as Nachtigall’s favourite target, hauling in seven receptions for 227 yards and a score.

River East, on the other hand, enjoyed a 20-2 victory over Crocus Plains. Their defence was stout, with four sacks and two interceptions. Looking at tonight’s matchup, River East head coach Sean Oleksewycz is “confident” that he has the best secondary in the league, and worked in a few new coverages this week to hopefully confuse Nachtigall.

Leading the way will be safety Ethan Topping and #CFC100 2019 halfback Samuel Hezekiah. Topping was all over the field, with 10 tackles and a sack against the Plainsmen. Hezekiah had three tackles, a sack and a pass breakup and also led the offence, with 162 yards rushing and two scores on just eight carries.

Division 3 (Currie conference): St. John’s (1-0) at Elmwood (1-0), Thursday, Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.

The St. John’s Tigers and Elmwood Giants both put 40 points on board in week one and will meet in what should be a strong rushing battle.

The Tigers got 121 combined rushing yards from four different backs, while also recording three touchdowns on the ground. Jacob Mpoyo and Myles Kakewash led the way with 51 and 44 yards, respectively while also averaging over five yards per carry.

Elmwood on the other hand, got 214 yards and two scores from Evyn Melville, who has been described as “a bull of a running back.” To put his numbers into perspective, last year he had just 314 yards on the ground all season. Defensively, the Giants got sacks from defensive/offensive linemen Graham Sousa and Sheldon Bibeau, along with an interception from defensive back Nicholas Arriagada.

St. John’s will look to stymy Melville with a stout front seven, led by defensive lineman Nick Wakos, who had four tackles and a forced fumble last week, as well as linebacker Nicholas Anderson, who had three tackles as well as an interception for a touchdown in the team’s 41-0 shutout of Maples.

Bison commit Stubbs “a complete back”

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Breydon Stubbs with VMC’s Player of the Game title belt after week one against Oak Park. Photo by Vincent Massey.

Vincent Massey running back Breydon Stubbs has come a long way in a very short amount of time on the gridiron.

His first passion was hockey, which he started playing at age five. But in 2012 at age 12, his dad decided he should branch out and try another sport, which led to him suiting up for the St. Vital Mustangs.

“I didn’t really know how to play,” Stubbs says. “I also didn’t know any positions. I was just out there. Then my coach Kevin Kavitch put me out as a wide receiver and also a backup quarterback. I played my first season like that.”

The following year, the team lost a bunch of players who were moving up an age group, so Stubbs was switched to running back. He hasn’t shifted positions ever since.

“That was my prime season that year,” he says of the 2013 campaign. “I really impressed a lot of people.”

Interestingly, up until this year – his senior year – Stubbs had played his entire career with St. Vital. This was due in part to the fact that Collège Jeanne Sauvé didn’t have a football program and his parents wanted him to stay at a French immersion school.

Despite not playing football at a high school program, Stubbs had a breakout 2017 season, making the U18 provincial team as the only member of the Midget Football League of Manitoba (MFLM).

“My first year, since I was the only midget player to make the team, I felt really proud,” he says passionately.

“Since I was a first year, I didn’t get to see the field that much, but I took my opportunities and I got the ball a couple times. Afterwards I got a lot of looks into it and started to think that football was maybe a sport I could play in the future.”

Stubbs’s provincial team experience translated directly onto the field during the 2017 MFLM season, as he was named the Offensive Player of the Year and also won the league championship with his Mustangs teammates.

“I went from an agility back, to more of a powerhouse after my first year of U18,” he says of his running style during the 2017 season. “I never really knew how to put my body weight into hits until U18 came. Hitting became really good to me and I used it to my advantage.”

The following year, Stubbs returned to the provincial team and was an instant playmaker. At the end of the tournament he was named Manitoba’s offensive MVP, earning the praise of his head coach Ryan Karhut.

“Breydon is a complete back,” Karhut says. “He’s a hard-nosed runner, catches the ball extremely well and takes great pride in his pass protection.”

Entering the 2018 fall football season, Stubbs had a decision to make. He had heard rumblings that the MFLM may be folding and needed to find a place to play for his senior year. Vincent Massey Collegiate fit the bill, as it offered a French immersion program. It didn’t hurt that Stubbs also knew a few players on the team already from the Canada Cup.

Things continued to come up millhouse for Stubbs throughout the summer, as he verbally committed to play for his hometown university in the middle of August. He had met with Bison football head coach Brian Dobie a few times before the Canada Cup and developed a strong connection right away. He also bonded with Karhut during the tournament.

“We sort of clicked,” Stubbs says of Dobie.

“We had a really strong conversation that was almost two-and-a-half hours. I just really loved his personality and it was awesome. Karhut too. His personality and just how he coached, it was amazing. The fact that he’s the running backs coach [at Manitoba] made it even better. With both of those personalities put together, I feel I will fit in. We’ve bonded really well and I just felt comfortable.”

With his commitment already decided, Stubbs is taking his senior year with Massey to focus on “gaining more experience and learning more concepts.”

He got off to a hot start along with fellow provincial team member/running back Vaughan Lloyd in the first week of division 1 play against Oak Park last week. Stubbs racked up 143 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries, while Lloyd scored on both receptions he recorded, totalling 96 yards receiving. Massey ended up winning the contest 42-3 with Stubbs being named the team’s player of the game.

“It’s a great feeling. Me and him, we have a connection,” Stubbs says of his relationship with Lloyd. “We bond really well and we run the ball really well in the backfield. It’s exciting to know that I have a friend back there, as well as a good teammate and player.”

WHSFL Team Preview: Tec Voc Hornets

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Chase Sinclair will be a major part of the Hornets offence in 2018. Photo provided by Brian Weiser.

Over the next month, manitobafootballfeed will be previewing each of the 31 varsity teams battling for supremacy in the Winnipeg High School Football League, which kicks off its regular season on Wednesday, Sept. 5. Below is a breakdown of the Tec Voc Hornets.

Team: Tec Voc Hornets

Head Coach: Brian Weiser, 14th season with program

Conference/Division: Currie Conference, Division 3

2017 Regular Season Record: 2-5

2017 Playoff Record: N/A

The Hornets will look to bounce back from a playoff-less 2017 this season. Brian Weiser is back as head coach, after coaching the JV program the past two years.

Offence: The Hornets biggest strength will be their offensive line, as all members up front played on the JV program with Weiser prior to stepping up to varsity, and have invaluable chemistry. The group will be led by Damen Ruiter.

The team’s biggest playmaker on offence is likely to be Chase Sinclair. He had 372 yards rushing and four touchdowns a year ago while averaging eight yards per carry.

Defence: Speed and agility will be two keys to the Hornets defence this year, according to Weiser. Three players to keep an eye out for are linebackers Kayden Pelletier and Michael Santos, as well as defensive back Emmery Eising.

Short and long-term goals: Weiser’s goal for his team this year is simple. “Make the playoffs.”

WHSFL Team Preview: Kelvin Clippers

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Former Lineman of the Year Isaiah Letander will be a major force for Kelvin in 2018. Photo by berecruited.com

Team: Kelvin Clippers

Head Coach: Jon Romu, 18th season

Conference/Division: Vidruk Conference, Division 2

2017 Regular Season Record: 7-0

2017 Playoff Record: 1-1 (Lost to Oak Park in AA semi-finals)

The Kelvin Clippers had their perfect season tarnished in 2017, after the Kas Vidruk division champs were defeated by the Oak Park Raiders, who dropped down from Division 1 for the playoffs. They’ll look for retribution this season as they stay in division 2 for upcoming year.

Offence: The Clippers return last year’s AA Rookie of the Year, in junior quarterback Daniel Moroz. The promising prospect threw for 1,238 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. He’ll be complemented by a few impact receivers in Brock Gates and Robin Brooks. The former had 322 yards on just 12 receptions a year ago, averaging a massive 26.8 yards per catch. The latter had one major last season and is also a threat as a kick returner.

Defence: The defence will be led by senior Isaiah Letander, who was the Lineman of the Year in AA last season after registering 31.5 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He’s already verbally committed to play for the Manitoba Bisons in 2019, and will look to finish his high school career off in style.

Complementing Letander will be fellow defensive lineman Dylan Hess as well as defensive back Adam Fast. Hess had 22 tackles last season, while Fast had 15 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Short and long-term goals: The goal for Kelvin this year is simple. Be competitive in the middle division and develop for the future.

St. Paul’s 1 shuts out Dakota 23-0 in WHSFL Game of the Week

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Crusaders pivot Brody Lawson searches for an open man against Dakota.

A 23-point second quarter was all the visiting St. Paul’s Crusaders 1 needed on Wednesday night at Murray Field, as they blanked the Dakota Lancers in the opening game of the 2018 WHSFL varsity season. The game was a rematch from last year’s ANAVETS Bowl, which the Crusaders also won.

The first quarter was a defensive battle both ways, as each team struggled to move the ball past midfield. The Lancers had the best opportunity to open the scoring after blocking a punt deep in Crusaders territory, however an attempted field goal was botched, keeping the game scoreless heading into the second quarter.

The Crusaders would open the scoring early in the second quarter thanks to a strong mix of run and pass, featuring junior running back Tanner Frobisher and receivers Tristen Hutter and Cordell Francis. Fellow junior tailback Te Jessie would cap the drive off with a rushing touchdown.

The visitors would add to their lead shortly after, as senior kicker Vince DeRosa pinned the Lancers deep in their own end. Junior linebacker Nathan Carabatsakis would ensure that the home squad had to concede a safety, after stuffing the Dakota offence on back-to-back plays.

Mental mistakes continued to haunt the Lancers deep into the second quarter. First, a botched snap on a punt set St. Paul’s up with ideal field position. A costly pass interference penalty on the ensuing drive brought the Crusaders even closer paydirt, and the drive was capped off with a touchdown pass from senior pivot Brody Lawson to Hutter, who made a tremendous one-handed grab. Later on, sophomore Nic Pereira would intercept an Aidan Campbell pass, which led to a major from junior running back Te Jessie to cap the scoring.

Dakota kept on fighting in the second half — primarily utilizing the pass — but despite some key throws from Campbell and a few solid receptions from senior receivers Ethan Dannell and Josh Ford, they were unable to crack the scoreboard as the Crusaders halted a third down gamble and also got an interception from sophomore Trae Tomlinson.

“We mostly played deep zone, and I read off of that and got a pick,” Tomlinson said postgame. “I felt great today, I was ready to ball out.”

The Crusaders, whose strength was the passing game in the pre-season, flexed their muscles in that department again, as Lawson found multiple targets for big gains during the contest. They also utilized a strong 1-2 punch with Frobisher and Jessie in the backfield.

“[Dakota] pretty much just played a cover three and a cover one, so we just played to our routes that worked well against those,” Lawson said after the contest. Dakota also has a really good defensive line and I was really proud of the way our o-line played today, they definitely held their ground.”

Despite the loss, there were a few standouts for the Lancers, including junior linebacker Josh Ma who has been a stellar playmaker at the varsity level since his freshman year. He was all over the field on Wednesday once again, and was critical in keeping the Crusaders off the board in the second half.

“Coach [Jarvis] pretty much said keep going, push hard and to keep our heads in the game,” Ma said of the comments from his coach at halftime. “We just have to keep going, keep our heads in and practice harder moving forward.”

Week one of the 2018 varsity schedule continues tomorrow, with eight games on the docket. There are also five games being played on Friday.

WHSFL Team Preview: St. Norbert Celtics

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Middle linebacker Brandon Palichuk will be a player to keep an eye on this year. Photo by Brandon Palichuk.

Team: St. Norbert Celtics

Head Coach: Adrian Huntley, 10th season

Conference/Division: Vidruk Conference, Division 2

2017 Regular Season Record: 4-3

2017 Playoff Record: 1-1 (Lost to West Kildonan in WHSFL Bowl)

For the first time, the St. Norbert Celtics will be playing in division 2, looking to build off of a 2017 campaign which saw them make it all the way to the WHSFL Bowl.

Offence: Versatility is the key word for the Celtics offence this season, with “a number of talented players returning,” according to head coach Adrian Huntley. Leading the way will be senior quarterback/receiver Curtis Junghans, who threw for 577 yards and seven touchdowns last year. Junior receiver Ryan Blanco, as well as fellow receiver Pacifique Jubilate are also players to keep an eye out for. The former had 208 yards and a major in 2017, while the latter is a dangerous two-way threat who had 14 tackles and an interception as a defensive back last year.

Defence: The them for the Celtics on defence will be “physicality.” Anchoring the team will be their linebacking corps, which includes junior Brandon Palichuk — who had 28.5 tackles and a fumble recovery a year ago — as well as senior Joe Benoit. The secondary will be led by Dawson Proskurnik, who had a strong showing in Team Manitoba U18 tryouts this summer.

Short and long-term goals: With the team moving up this season, Huntley’s short-term goal for St. Norbert is to “adjust to playing in the second division and to be competitive.” He added that “our long term goal is to establish our team as a competitive second division team annually.”

WHSFL Team Preview: Beaver Brae Broncos

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Quarterback Rhett Zurkan will be a valuable leader for the Broncos entering his senior year. Photo by hudl.com.

Team: Beaver Brae Broncos

Head Coach: Chris Penner, 21 years

Conference/Division: Vidruk Conference, Division 2

2017 Regular Season Record: 6-1

2017 Playoff Record: 0-1 (Lost to Kildonan East in quarterfinals)

Despite being upset in the quarterfinals of the Currie Division last season, the Broncos will be moving up a division in 2018. They return over half of their starters on both sides of the ball this year, and will be hungry to prove their mettle in division 2.

Offence: The team’s biggest strength offensively will be their protection up front, which is led by centre Mike Porter. Handling quarterbacking duties will be senior Rhett Zurkan, who had 15 total touchdowns a year ago. Another player to keep an eye out for is versatile athlete Brayden Martin, who is expected to line up as both a running back and receiver and is also likely to see some time under centre.

Defence: Coach Penner is very excited about his front four defensively, with his defensive ends specifically noted as a positional strength. That group will be anchored by Cole Tattrie and Cameron Fraser. The linebacking corps will be paced by Dylan Harty, while grade 10 rookie Kevin Holmstrom, who has been described as a “natural safety,” is a player to keep an eye out for in the secondary.

WHSFL Team Preview: St. John’s Tigers

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Senior Payton Yakimishyn will lead the Tigers offensively this year. Photo by Payton Yakimishyn.

Team: St. John’s Tigers

Head Coach: Grant McMillan, fourth year (eight years as an assistant coach prior)

Conference/Division: Currie Conference, Division 3

2017 Regular Season Record: 4-3

2017 Playoff Record: 0-1 (Lost to DMCI in quarterfinals)

The Tigers enter the season hungry to build off of a strong 2017 campaign, where they pushed eventual Currie Division champs DMCI to the brink.

Offence: The team’s offence will revolve around the skills of senior slot back Payton Yakimishyn. The member of Team Manitoba’s U18 Canada Cup and gold medal-winning U18 flag team was the third leading receiver in the conference last year, and will see an even bigger role this season after the graduation of four-year veteran pivot Nick Cherkun and powerhouse back River Nepinak.

Senior quarterback Myles Kakewash and junior receiver Ryu Forsythe will also be expected to step up offensively. The former is an athletic pivot who will have plenty of veterans to throw the ball to. Additionally, sophomore offensive lineman Ryan Ducharme is a player to keep an eye out for up front, after the graduation of Rain Slater (now with the Manitoba Bisons) — one of the best to ever strap on the pads for the Tigers.

Defence: The Tigers defence will be anchored by seniors Nick Wakos (middle linebacker) and Asher Wood (safety). The latter was nominated for Outstanding Defensive Player in 2017. Hybrid grade 11 defensive back/linebacker Riley Laforte and sophomore defensive back Micah Humberstone will also be players to keep an eye out for this season.

Short and long-term goals: With an inexperienced roster, McMillan’s goal is “to always progress throughout the season and enter the playoffs playing our best football.”

WHSFL Team Preview: West Kildonan Wolverines

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Linebacker Nick Birch returns for his senior year, and will be the anchor on defence for West K. Photo by hudl.com.

Team: West Kildonan Wolverines

Head Coach: Russell Wallace, third year

Conference/Division: Vidruk Conference, Division 2

2017 Regular Season Record: 4-3

2017 Playoff Record: 2-0 (Won the WHSFL Bowl)

The West Kildonan Wolverines are moving up in the world, after capturing the WHSFL Bowl last season. Head coach Russell Wallace returns seven starters on offence and eight on defence from the 2017 championship team, and will look to make a statement in division 2 this year.

Offence: The offence will be once again be led by quarterback Devon Machum, who threw for 521 yards and four touchdowns last season. He’ll be supported by receiver Ashton Rolland and running back/linebacker De’Von Young.

Defence: Much like on offence, the defence will be anchored by an impact player from last year’s championship team in senior linebacker Nick Birch. He led the team with 36 tackles and three sacks in 2017. Other players to keep an eye out for are defensive backs Justin Petrishen and Zach Shrupka. The duo combined for 34.5 tackles five interceptions and a sack a year ago.

Short and long-term goals: Wallace expects his team to be prepared and competitive in each game this year. The long-term goal is “to continue to compete in in division 2 for years to come.

WHSFL Team Preview: Maples Marauders

By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)

Feature photo: Captain Tevonne Albert will anchor the offensive and defensive lines for Maples. Photo by Peter Serrette.

Team: Maples Marauders

Head Coach: Peter Serrette, 23rd year with the program (player/coach)

Conference/Division: Currie Conference, Division 3

2017 Regular Season Record: 0-7

2017 Playoff Record: N/A

The Maples Marauders finished 2017 with a bitter taste in their mouth, after failing to clinch a playoff birth. Expect experienced head coach Peter Serrette to have his troops fired up for 2018 and ready to make a push for the postseason.

Offence: The Marauders offence will feature a balanced passing and running game. Their backfield will have plenty of variety, led by speedy senior running back Denzel Hooke and junior receiver/running back Mason Jesmer, who is “a hard runner who loves contact,” according to Serrette.

Additionally, three-year starter Danten Santos will play both sides of the ball, lining up at both receiver and defensive back. “His combination of speed and power make him a game-changer,” said Serrette.

The offensive line will be anchored by a trio of juniors, in Mario Sarte, Tevonne Albert and Jesse Valiquette.

Defence: Defence will be the strength of the Marauders team this season. Serrette says they will “provide constant pressure with several blitz packages, in the hope of creating turnovers and leaving the offence with a short field.”

Santos and fellow team captain Albert will lead the unit as two-way players at defensive back and defensive lineman, respectively. Support will come from multi-sport junior Adamo Urciuoli, who “has speed to burn” in the secondary. Valiquette will also play both ways as a defensive lineman, and is “a hard-working athlete who lives in the gym.”

Short and long-term goals: Division 3 is typically well-balanced, where any team can win on any given night. With that in mind, Serrette’s goal for his team is to “get better every week and win our division.”