The start of a new school year also means the start of new school sports teams. This year, the Yorkton Regional High School senior boys football team is expecting to have a much better showing than they did last year, with a more experienced, veteran squad.
The team has been practicing for a few weeks already. Jason Boyda, offensive coordinator of the team, said they should have a good chance at competing for a championship this year.
“Last year we only had four grade 12 starters, so we’re returning a lot of starters from last year,” he said. “They were young and inexperienced, so we took it on the chin last year. Now they’re battle tested, their football IQ is increased, and we’re looking to roll this year.”
The players haven’t taken the summer lightly. They used it to improve their speed and conditioning, and do some additional training with John Bankhead who visited Yorkton with his football camps earlier in the summer.
Boyda said the coaching staff is expecting big things from a number of their players this year.
“Braden Kitchen should have a step out year at running back, it’s his second year at being a starter,” offered Boyda.
“David Neumeier will be anchoring our offensive line. He went down to Texas to play for Team Saskatchewan, and I’m looking for big things out of him,” he said.
He also mentioned the ‘M&M connection’.
“Matthew Balysky and Matthew Mandziuk – they’re phenomenal athletes. We can depend on them quite a bit to make plays both offensively and defensively,” said Boyda.
And of course, Boyda said everyone is expecting an incredible year from Jordin Rusnack, who joined the team as a grade 10 starting quarterback last year.
“He’s grown, he’s matured, his arm strength has really improved, and between the ears he’s really developed a really great understanding of the game,” said Boyda. “I’m expecting him to have an outstanding year.”
Rusnack also agreed that his game has improved, and he’s come a long way since the start of last season.
“I shouldn’t be nervous anymore,” said Rusnack. “[I’m] more experienced, I feel like my arm is better. I should run more this year, too. I feel like it should be a better season overall.”
Rusnack spoke highly of the rest of his team, too, saying they’re looking strong and skilled in practice so far.
When asked what the biggest difference between this year’s squad and last year’s will be, he said the number of veterans.
“It’s a good, solid, older team. Everyone should know what they’re doing,” said Rusnack.
“It’s about what we expect it to be. The O-line men might be our weak point but it looks like they’re doing well so far.”
Rusnack said he’s looking forward to playing two teams in particular this season.
“Definitely Peacock, they’re always a rival,” he said. “And Swift Current for sure, since they kicked us out of the playoffs last year.”
The coaching staff for this year’s team will look very similar to last year’s, with the addition of Mark Schendel to the list.
The first game of the season for the YRHS Raider Gridders will be their annual Friday Night Lights game on Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Century Field in Yorkton. They will host the Weyburn Eagles.
