In the Nova Scotia high school football scene, there have been some hidden gems or diamonds in the rough: players who have flown under the radar. These are the ones to watch for in the future.
Here is the group of sleeper picks from Nova Scotia that could potentially be standouts at the university level, or are set to wreak havoc for opposing teams in the upcoming NSSAFFL season:
Bennett Gaskin: Citadel Phoenix, OT, Class 2012:
Since beginning his football career at the age of nine with the Halifax Argos, Bennett has steadily developed as a force to be reckoned with on the field. With the Argos, Bennett was team offensive lineman of the year three times.
Moreover, he played with the Halifax Chargers for a season and has been a member of Team Nova Scotia’s under-15, under-17 and under-18 teams.
Bennett’s greatest success came with the Citadel Phoenix. He has been a part of three championship winning teams with the school (2009-2011) and was team offensive lineman of the year this past season.
Additionally, the NSSAFFL selected him two straight times to the first all-star team in an offensive line position. This past season’s championship was truly special for the 6’2, 270 pound offensive star as he overcame a knee injury to be able to play his final high school game.
The next chapter of the graduating offensive tackle’s football career will take place at Acadia University. Academically, Bennett would like to study business with a career goal of working in some capacity in the sports industry.
On the field, the graduating player is influenced by the offensive line coaches that he’s been fortunate to have learned from over the years. Away from football, Bennett says his father has been very supportive while coming to every game and practice.
Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Lawley says that the offensive tackle is destined for further success at the next level.
“Bennett has the frame and the game to play a key role for any university offensive line,” comments Lawley, who recently completed his 22nd season as coach. “He has an edge to him that you need to have in order to be successful in the trenches.”
“Bennett is a winner.”
Rob Wilson: Citadel Phoenix, DB/Special Teams, Class 2012:
Rob started his football career in 2007, when he suited up for the Halifax Raiders as a quarterback and kicker. He played on the team for two seasons. Playing at the same positions for the Halifax Chargers in 2009, he was team offensive MVP.
When Rob moved on to play high school football with the powerhouse Citadel Phoenix, it also marked a change in positions for Rob. As a defensive back and a part of special teams (kicker, punter), the Phoenix player made a successful transition.
Not only was he part of two straight Phoenix NSSAFFL Tier 1 championship teams (2010, 2011), the 6’2, 185 pound graduating player was special teams MVP for the Phoenix and selected to the NSSAFFL’s Nova Division first-all-star team in the defensive back position.
This past season, Rob experienced a memorable moment on the field. In an NSSAFFL regular season game against the Lockview Dragons, the Phoenix standout put forth one of the best efforts of his playing career. He was perfect in kicks, tackled effectively and registered two interceptions in the game. Rob credits Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Lawley for motivating the defense because the unit had a slow start to the game.
Speaking of the Phoenix co-head coach, he has been Rob`s greatest football influence. Rob says that Lawley has been a father figure to many players on the team. Additionally, the Phoenix co-head coach has taught him all the skills that has enabled him to become the player he is today.
Rob’s parents have also had an active, supportive role in his career. His mother Lisa was the Phoenix team physiotherapist. Moreover, his father Jim coached him in minor football. Most recently, Jim was the announcer at the Phoenix home games during the NSSAFFL season.
While Dalhousie and Acadia are schools that Rob is considering for next year, he is open to other options. He plans to study business in university. Currently, the Phoenix defensive star is coaching the junior varsity Halifax Seahawks Football team.
“Any university team looking to have a multi-dimensional athlete will want to have Rob Wilson on their roster,” adds Lawley. “He is not only a first team all-star shut down corner; he is also an accomplished punter and kicker.”
“Rob has a great set of hands and as such spent good hours with our receiving crew.”
Keighen Macrae: Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals, DB, Class 2012:
After playing soccer for many years, Keighen began to play football in his grade 11 year, with only two games left in the regular season. When he joined his high school team, the Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals, he was supposed to be a kicker because of his soccer pedigree. However, at training camp this past year, the Royals had different plans which resulted in Keighen starting as a cornerback (also was a returner).
Recognized for his play this season, the Royals defensive star was team MVP and selected to the NSSAFFL Scotia Division first all-star team in the defensive back position.
One of the main highlights of his football career came in the first game of the 2011 NSSAFFL regular season when the Royals played against the Cole Harbour Cavaliers. In the game, Keighen had an interception and on the next play, he got a pick for 6 yards. Another special moment was in the Royals playoff game against the Avon View Avalanche, when he returned a ball for an 85-90 yard touchdown.
Keighen credits his teammates for giving him at that extra push and his coaches for making him become the player he is today. The graduating defensive star says he’s appreciative of all the support his mother has given him to pursue his football dreams.
Holland College is among the schools the 5’11, 160 pound Royals player is considering for next season; however, he is open to consideration of other schools. Academically, Keighen is interested in studying kinesiology.
“When coaches look at me or at my game play I would like them to keep in mind I’ve only been playing football for one season,” adds Keighen. “I still have tons to learn and I would love to be taught as much as I could be taught.”
Cameron Davidson: Horton Griffins, RB, Class 2014:
With six seasons under his belt, Cameron is emerging as a potent offensive in the high school ranks. Playing for the Valley Bulldogs Minor Football Association from 2006-2010, he has been able to hone his offensive skills. He was team MVP in 2007 and was honoured with the Unsung Hero Award in 2010.
The 5’9, 155 pound rising star is versatile as he also plays slotback, and special teams (kick returner, punt returner). While playing football for his high school team, the Horton Griffins, Cameron experienced the highlight of his football career this past season. The Griffins reached their first NSSAFFL Tier 1 championship game against the Citadel Phoenix. While the Griffins did not win, it was an experience the offensive star will remember for the atmosphere and the hard fought game itself.
Cameron is fortunate to have great coaches over his six year football career that’ve helped him improve while making him want to strive to be a better player. The encouragement and support of his parents has made it possible for the offensive player to develop into a rising star.
Even though he won’t be graduating from high school until 2014, Cameron says he would like to attend a school in Canada or the United States and have the opportunity to play football. Academically, he would like to take courses in criminology. He would also like to give back to the game in the future by coaching others so he could do as much for a player as his coaches have done for him.
Griffins head coach Alec Hyndman says that while Cameron was behind running back Robert Adams on the depth chart, he was still able to amass 500 yards and nine touchdowns in his rookie campaign.
“He will be part of a 2 running offence next year, and I expect nothing less than a breakout season for him,” comments Hyndman of what we can expect to see from the Griffins rising star. “He will be playing for the under-16 Team Nova Scotia this year for the third year.”
“He has shown great leadership potential and one of the better football minds I have seen in a kid that young.”
Derek Naugler: Cobequid Education Centre Cougars, LB, Class 2012:
Starting his football career with his high school team, the Cobequid Education Centre Cougars in grade 10, Derek has steadily risen into a marquee linebacker. This past NSSAFFL season, Derek was selected to the Scotia Division first all-star team in the linebacker position.
As for his most memorable football moment, it would be watching his brother win the NSSAFFL Tier 1 championship title in 2007. Derek was inspired and it invoked a desire to want to be part of that moment.
Cougars head coach Scott Annand has influenced the 6’2, 210 pound linebacker to not only be a better athlete, but also a better person. With Annand’s knowledge of the sport and continual pushing, Derek has been able to achieve the success he’s had on the field. Motivation for the star comes from his family.
After high school is completed this spring, the Cougars linebacker would like to obtain a kinesiology degree in university. As a career, Derek would like to go into the RCMP.
Annand says that the Cougars standout has been overlooked.
“Derek is a league all-star and has the natural ability to play at the next level (CIS),” explains the Cougars head coach. “He is very athletic, plays downhill every play, reads well and has great range.”
“He is a very physical player who has a tremendous work ethic and his athleticism allows him to play special teams as well as defense. He plays the run as well as the pass.”
Video of Derek’s Football Highlights:
Makenzie Fox: Charles P Allen Cheetahs, LB, Class 2012:
The 5’11, 196 pound linebacker has played for junior varsity Metro Mustangs of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL) and his high school team, the Charles P Allen Cheetahs. This past season with the Cheetahs, Makenzie won the Pierre Lefebvre Award which is given to a player who exemplifies leadership on the team.
Also in 2011, the Cheetahs graduating linebacker experienced a special moment in his football career when the team played against the Lockview Dragons. In the dying seconds of the fourth quarter, Cheetahs quarterback Colin Swimmey threw a pass that was good for a touchdown and the team pulled out a victory by only a single point. Makenzie says that this moment made him realize that football is unique as it’s a sport which every man counts on the team.
Cheetahs defensive coordinator Alain Lefebvre has been a key influence on the graduating linebacker’s football career. Lefebvre introduced Makenzie to defense and “galvanized” him into the player he is today. Lefebvre, Cheetahs head coach Mike McPherson and Cheetahs receivers coach Blair Ryan motivate all players, including Makenzie to achieve success in all aspects of life. The linebacker also has the support and encouragement of his parents to pursue all goals in football and in life and give nothing less than 100 percent effort in anything he pursues.
The Cheetahs graduating linebacker is considering Acadia, Guelph, Mount Allison, Saint Mary’s and Saint Francis Xavier for schools next season. Moreover, Makenzie would like to pursue a degree in Business Administration in university.
“Makenzie has only played football for two years, but continues to get better everyday,” adds Cheetahs head coach McPherson of why the graduating linebacker is a potential sleeper. “With solid determination and work ethic, Makenzie has a lot of potential to grow as a football player at the next level.”
“He moves well and has incredible strength for a kid his age/size. He certainly got some people’s attention during the combine in particular during his bench press.”
Video of Makenzie’s Football Highlights:
(Photo courtesy of Joe Chrvala of Cheetahs Football)
(website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jchrvala)
Jake Moore: Prince Andrew Panthers, WR, Class 2014:
Starting his football career in grade seven with the Dartmouth Destroyers football program, Jake has reaped the rewards of success as he’s won many titles with the team. Additionally, he was part of the Nova Scotia Provincial football team and travelled to Montreal in July 2010 to participate in the Wilson Cup. Moreover, he brought home a bronze medal with the provincial team when the team participated in the Cup tourney in Manitoba (2011).
The first championship title won in his first year of junior varsity was memorable because it was over three hours long and it went to overtime. The opposing team had the ball in the extra frame and the Destroyers defense stopped them. When it was the Destroyers ball, they finally scored on their drive. Jake says he was exhausted from the final block he had to make to ensure the running back got into the end zone, but it was worth it seeing teammates running off their benches with their helmets raised up in the air in celebration.
While playing high school football for the Prince Andrew Panthers this past season, Jake showed his versatility as he played in the slotback position. Since August, the grade 10 rising star has trained with Joni Shreve and continues to do so twice a week to prepare for the upcoming junior varsity season.
The 5’7, 145 pound wide receiver says that Shreve has been an influence on his football career as well as a mentor. As a trainer, Shreve inspires Jake to work hard so he can go places in his football career. The Panthers wide receiver comments that the attitude and strength the football player/trainer brings motivates him to make him a better person and player.
Jay Warren was the first individual to train Jake and gave him invaluable help with the player’s physical and mental game. Jake is appreciative of Warren’s help in getting him started in the game as well as the instruction so he could have that edge over an opponent on the field. Finally, it is not lost on the Panthers offensive rising star of the encouragement of his father throughout his career. He has always been there for every practice, given him constructive advice, and has played an active role in ensuring Jake’s football dreams come true.
Panthers head coach Joe Flemming is anticipating great things to come for the rising star.
“Jake has devoted his time and body to getting better,” comments Flemming. “He attends personal trainer sessions where he consistantly improves his technical ability, as well as mental preparedness in order to elevate his confident approach to the game.”
“He’s itching to hot the field and I can’t wait to see all of the ways his hard work has paid off.”
Video of Jake’s Football Highlights:
Simon Poirier: Dartmouth High Spartans, CB, Class 2012:
Simon has played three years for both the Dartmouth Destroyers and his high school team, the Dartmouth High Spartans. He was team captain of the Destroyers last year and was voted a team captain for the Spartans this past football season.
The 5’11, 160 pound cornerback says his favourite football experience was winning the junior varsity title with the Dartmouth Knights. They played against Halifax in the title game. Simon says that the win was not only something special for Dartmouth football to be proud of but it ignited the start of a great program.
Coach Randy Rudel has been Simon’s biggest football influence. Having the passion to match his huge heart, Rudel has inspired the Spartans graduating cornerback to take that into all aspects of his life on and off the field.
Spartans head coach Nick Barr says that Simon has started at the cornerback position for the past two seasons and clearly proved why he was one of the top defensive backs in the NSSAFFL.
“Simon is a great athlete and a great person,” explains Barr. “He is one of the most coachable athletes that I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”
“He is well respected by his teammates and was a leader for us both on and off the field. He’s a solid player who commits himself 100 percent to the team.”
Connor Hewitt: Central Kings Gators, DL, Class 2013:
Connor has a wealth of experience playing football as he has played on several different teams including the Valley Bulldogs, Valley Wardogs and his high school team, the Central Kings Gators. In his football rookie campaign with the Bulldogs, he was lineman of the year and also contributed to the team winning the Tier 2 championship title.
With the Gators, Connor has added success as he was team Iron Man in 2010 and Player’s Choice in 2011. Moreover, the lineman was recognized by the NSSAFFL as he was selected to the second all-star team in a defensive line position.
As for his most memorable football moment of his career, the Gators star explains it was during wind sprints at the conclusion of a practice.
“Someone spoke out of turn and had to run sprints alone but one of the players who was also a captain, Jacob Gee ran alongside him stating that “no one runs alone”,” explains the Gators lineman. “This event inspired me to step up as a leader and the next season and I did the same thing; not letting a team mate run alone and the rest of the team followed my lead and now anytime someone has to run, everyone runs with them.”
“This in my opinion shows great support and team integrity.”
Gee and Horton Griffins defensive star Adam Melanson have been great influences on Connor as a player. Furthermore, he tries to emulate the play of former NFL great Michael Strahan (New York Giants) and current player Vince Wilfork (New England Patriots) on the field. Connor comments that his parents have had the largest impact on his life.
Among the schools the Gators lineman is deciding upon are Acadia, John Abbott, Mount Allison and Saint Mary’s. Academically, he would like to either get a degree in teaching or history in post-secondary school. Overall, he plans on achieving these goals by being true to himself and working hard to for success.
Steven Melanson has coached Connor in bantam and under-17 football. He says that the Gators lineman is a quiet leader; however, when he speaks, others listen. Moreover, Melanson says that Connor is passionate about the game.
“While coaching Connor he never has missed a practice and this has continued on with his high School career,” adds Melanson. “Connor is a very hard working person on and off the field.”
“He is going into his senior year at Central Kings and he will be the heart and soul of his team; as he continues to improve he should have no problem transitioning to the next level. Connor is always willing to listen and learn which is a trait all coaches love.”
Hezekiah Armstrong: Sir John A MacDonald Flames, DB, Class 2013:
For the last six years, Hezekiah has played football for the Timberlea Titans organization and his high school team, the Sir John A MacDonald Flames. Showing his versatility, the 5’10, 177 pound athlete is also able to play at the quarterback, tailback, and fullback and linebacker positions.
The rising defensive star has been team MVP and most improved player a few times in his career. Hezekiah’s memorable moment of his career took place in his fourth season of football. As a tailback, he had 21 touchdowns in that season.
His main football influence is Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson. Others that have impacted his life on and off the field include his father, Mike Tyson and Tupac Shakur.
While Hezekiah does not graduate until 2013, he is looking towards the future. While he’s open to consideration for any school, the Flames defensive back’s career goals include owning a business or becoming a lawyer.
Flames head coach Alan Wetmore says that Hezekiah is definitely one to watch for in the NSSAFFL next season.
“Hezekiah is a fast and phenomenal athlete with great hips, feet and ability,” explains Wetmore, who’s coached the Flames for the past six seasons. “If you were to put a video together to teach someone perfect sprinting technique Hezzy would be the athlete you made the film with.”
“Hezzy is very versatile but at the next level he is best suited for corner, giving a team a nice tall and big player out on the island. In his senior year, he will have lots to do including playing some quarterback.”
“He is someone to watch in 2012.”
Honourable Mentions:
Mark Nelson: Sir John A MacDonald Flames, OT
Josh Sampson: Halifax West Warriors, DB, Class 2013
Connor LeBlanc: Sackville High Kingfishers, QB/SB, Class 2012
Jacob Moore: Dartmouth High Spartans, FB/S, Class 2012
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)
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