WHSFL Senior Bowl: Talent unites for entertaining showcase

Team Black pulls out 20-13 win over Team White

On a hot sunny afternoon in Winnipeg, the best players in the Province got together for one last time at Eastside field for the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL) Senior Bowl.

In an action packed game that came down to the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Team Black pulled out a 20-13 victory over Team White.

Most of these players play against each other during the year so the question of whether there was any bad blood between rivalry players/schools comes to mind.

 

“It’s different, you gotta come together whenever you’re on a team, you’re family, gotta get over it,” said Team White’s Jeff Kim.

Team Black was able to overcome internal battles they may have had to gel as a team. It was the tenth year Jason Park has been a part of the Senior Bowl.  This year, Park was a Head Coach.

“The talent level is ridiculous to see them all come together and be united it was a lot of fun to be a part of,” added Park.

 

Everybody at the Senior Bowl was there to have fun and compete with those they may have never played on a team with before.

Team Black quarterback Drake Lesperance enjoyed the game,

“It was a fun experience and a really good time having everybody out from different teams and trying to get that chemistry going,” said Lesperance of the experience.

It was the final time a lot of these players would step onto the gridiron for good. Some may play for the Winnipeg Rifles of Prairie Football Conference in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) while others could be on to a CIS career.

As a potential last game for these players, Team White Head Coach Peter Serrette was reflective of the contest.

“It’s a reminder a lot of these guys won’t play football again, the hard work and preparation these kids put into the day really shows you how much dedication pays off,” added Serrette.

From the players to the coaches, everybody enjoyed their time at the Senior Bowl. While it wasn’t a high scoring affair, it was entertaining to see all the best players in Manitoba compete against each other.

“It was a really fun week for me maybe the most fun I’ve had playing football,” said Team Black’s Cody Claydon.