WINNIPEG – Football Canada Cup 2006 kicked off this past Saturday at the University of Manitoba’s Football Stadium with Under 17 Team Manitoba blasting Thunder Bay 56–0.
Manitoba controlled the game with a powerful running attack that netted a whopping total of 488 yards rushing. Three Manitoba running backs ran for more than 100 yards, Michael Smith (189), Sean Clark (156), and Adam Mazowita (116). Manitoba’s dominant offensive line was anchored by offensive game MVP Ben Downs. Manitoba’s defensive game MVP was defensive Back Scott Kuz.
Thunder Bay’s gutsy performance was led by team defensive game MVP Joey Huskinson and team offensive game MVP Jordan Popowich.
Game 2 of the first day of tournament action saw Team Western Ontario slip past Team Eastern Ontario 31–16. Team game defensive MVP Jonathan Bucknor’s key quarterback sack and forced fumble led Western Ontario’s defence to hold Eastern Ontario scoreless in the second and third quarters. Meanwhile offensive game MVP, quarterback Kyle Graves, threw for 157 yards and rushed for 105. The longest scamper was for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Not to be outdone Eastern Ontario’s quarterback Evan Pawlick threw for 163 yards to earn team offensive team honours while a strong performance by teammate Tyler Rukiewicz earned him team defensive honours.
