Canada Football Chat (CFC) continues its post-season coverage of the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL) this week. The Beave Brae Broncos from Kenora Ontario are set to meet up with the Crocus Plains Plainsmen on Thursday in Winnipeg.
These two teams have yet to meet each other because Crocus Plains plays in ‘AA’ and Beave Brae was tops of the Andy Currie ‘A’ division. They will meet for the first time in the semi-final of the Currie division playoffs.
Jackson Penner talked about how great it is to be able to come to Manitoba and play football games.
“Living in another province and playing in the WHSFL provides us with great football opportunities. It gives us the chance to play a variety of football teams rather than just being able to play Fort Francis and Dryden”.
Beaver Brae finished 6 and 1 to earn the top spot in the Currie division alongside Dryden.
Players to watch on the Broncos are, tailback/defensive end – Eric Melillo, defensive tackle- Pacey Wickham, wide receiver- Jackson Penner and Dylan Andrews- quarterback and safety.
Beaver Brae has had success this season because “Our team plays together as a unit and we have a very strong o line that executes, which complements our run game and passing game” claimed Penner.
The Crocus Plains Plainsmen beat the Churchill Bulldogs 32-27 to earn a shot at competing against Beaver Brae in the semi-finals.
Nolan Dagg explained how his team progressed throughout the year.
“We gained trust in each other and even though our record didn’t show, we are a very good team when we work together and that took a few losses to develop” said Dagg.
First year quarterback Sam Esler has been good for the Plainsmen. Esler has thrown for 1149 yards in 149 attempts with 5 touchdowns.
Another reason Crocus Plains is in the playoffs is because of coaching.
Nolan Dagg said “Our coaches are the best coaches in the league I think, because they never lost faith in us and when we needed to be pushed, they pushed us”
Crocus Plain’s coaches have been happy with the progression their team has made.
“I feel that we have gotten much stronger as the year has progressed and the kids are really believing in themselves and each other” said Kevin Boyd coach of the Plainsmen..
The playoffs are another beast but Beaver Brae’s Chase Neufeld is optimistic his team can get the job done.
“Playing Brandon won’t be an easy game, but we are going to play hard, work together, and not give up” added Neufeld.
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