Teens tested on national gridiron

BARRIE — The Bear Creek Secondary School football program will be a little bit stronger this September due to the return of two players from a national tournament.

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Danny Vandervoort and Evan Hughes suited up for Team Ontario – East at the Canadian U18 Football Canada Cup held recently at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

The two lads had to outperform dozens of other hopeful players from across southern Ontario at a series of tryouts and scrimmages held in June to secure a spot on the 40-man roster. The Canada Cup is an annual showcase for the best under-18 years of age players across the country.

Vandervoort, who just turned 16, was the youngest player on his team. He played wide receiver. Hughes, a Grade 12 grad, plans on returning to Bear Creek next year. He’s a defensive end.

Both have been part of the Stallions organization for several years. In fact, coach Martino Disabatino says Vandervoort has been with the program for 10 years. Hughes has four years under his belt with the group.

“It will be something they will always remember,” Disabatino, who was also an assistant Team Ontario coach, says. “They were playing against other provincial teams. It’s another level. A nice experience to step out of the province, but it was a gruelling one.”

Disabatino says Vandervoort enrolled as a Stallion at the tender age of eight. “He’s really matured as a player for us. He’s a great wide receiver on our junior varsity team. We call him up to play on the senior varsity team.

Disabatino describes Evans as having “a lot of potential”. He has a good future if he works hard at it. He has a lot of skills. Both players can develop. They got picked by Team Ontario. It’s a credit to them. They didn’t look out of place.”

While Team Ontario dropped two out of three games, the pair shares the belief it was an invaluable experience for them.

“It was amazing,” says Vandervoort. “The team was so close. I was the youngest by a year or two and had to step up my game. I started the third game and made five or six catches.”

“The coaches here have taught us really well,” Hughes says. “This is my fourth year with the Stallions. I hope to get into university to study psychology – and play university ball.”

“There were plenty of Canadian, and American scouts at the tournament,” Vandervoort adds. “Hopefully, I’ll get to go to university for football, too.”

His parents, Dan and Liane, are very proud of his accomplishments.

“Danny said it was the best experience of his life,” Dan Sr. says. “That’s what you want to hear as a parent.”

“I’m so proud of him,” Liane says. “I’m his biggest cheerleader.”

Picture: Teens tested on national gridiron. Danny Vandervoort and Evan Hughes of the Huronia Stallions football team and students of Bear Creek Secondary School, played in the Canadian U18 Football Canada Cup championship tournament in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Bruce Hain