The 35th season of North Battleford Comprehensive High School Viking football was completed Tuesday night, as the junior and senior teams, their coaches, parents and supporters gathered for the annual awards banquet.
This season's banquet had a few new twists. Instead of 10 senior awards handed out the coaching staff decided to combine some of the awards and cut back to five awards. This was common in the Vikings' earlier years and according to the coaching staff prove how special the winners are.
Cody Buziak, who took over the reigns at quarterback two weeks into the season, was the team's MVP. Buziak won the undergraduate award last season and this year was a key reason for the Vikings' successes on offence. Buziak has a strong arm and was also able to keep plays alive with his legs while being a captain on the team.
Instead of awards for the most outstanding defensive and offensive linemen separately, those honours were combined into one - Most Outstanding Lineman. Kyle Pooyak joins his father Justin Pooyak, who is now assistant coach with the Vikings, as one of those special players to have their name on the award. The soft-spoken offensive lineman was converted from the defensive line at the beginning of the season and thrived at the position for the Vikings.
The Outstanding Backfielder, combining tailbacks, receivers, defensive backs and linebackers, went to defensive back and captain Tanner Craig. Craig was a Grade 11 highlight reel on defence and will be the cornerstone of the Vikings' defence in 2012.
The Outstanding Undergraduate Award went to offensive lineman Jordan Elliott. Elliott has developed a truly strong bond with head coach Jamie Sommerfeld, who was also an offensive lineman in his university football days. Elliott has aspirations and the potential to play football after high school and becomes the second Elliott lineman in two seasons to win a Vikings football award. Older brother Brendon won Offensive Lineman of the Year last season.
The True Viking Award was to presented to Spencer Cave, who coach Mike Humenny describes as a community person within NBCHS and a true team leader. Cave played linebacker and was among the team leaders in tackles and a captain who led not only by example on the field, but off it as well.
The junior team also handed out awards Tuesday. The Most Valuable Offensive Player Award went to Scott Bilanski. Bilanski was an offensive lineman with the junior team. Receiver Jesse Odishaw won the Most Valuable Offensive Veteran Player Award. Clay Weinrauch, the team's quarterback, was the most valuable offensive rookie.
On the defensive side of the ball, Conan Baptiste, who played with the senior team at the end of the season, was the most valuable defensive player. Noah Stillar was the most valuable defensive veteran, and also played with the senior team later in the season. John Roche was the most valuable defensive rookie.
Along with highlights of the season that was, the Vikings' family also said good-bye to Linda Tkatchuk, who will be retiring from NBCHS at the end of the year. She was described by the players and coaches as their football mom and has spent years as the team's equipment manager.
Tkatchuk noted she will miss the team, but will be there watching and looking forward to them perusing a championship in the next few seasons.
Along with Tkatchuk not being with the team come September, award winners Cave, Pooyak and Buziak, are three of 12 players to graduate this season.
The others senior are tailback/quarterback/slotback Cole Tenetuik, kicker and defensive back Dylan Chadwick, defensive back Lane Gopher, linebacker Jordan Carriere, fullback Rob Gaetz, defensive lineman Dalton Poitras and Kyle Kahnapace, offensive lineman Taylor Thomas, Quanah Daniels and Brandon Neigum and wide receiver Eric Charabin.
