WINNIPEG (FC) – It was a sun drenched and windy setting at East Side Eagles Stadium that saw Under 17 Team Manitoba defeat Western Ontario 17 – 9.
Team Manitoba’s ball control especially in the second and third quarters made the difference in a close game. Both Manitoba quarterbacks, Tye Noble and Adam Watson, engineered drives and set up touchdown scampers for Michael Smith (Offensive Team MVP) in the second quarter and Sean Clark in the fourth quarter. A stingy Manitoba defense was led by linebacker and Team Defensive MVP winner Mathew Anderson.
The lone Western Ontario touchdown was scored by Kyle Karczynski with an electrifying punt return late in the game. Andy Algar led the Western Ontario’s defense in tackles and earned himself Team Defensive MVP, while Jahmeek Murray rushed for 130 yards, the longest being 70 yards, and was selected Team Offensive MVP.
The second game saw Eastern Ontario dominate Thunder Bay by a score of 38 to 0. Eastern Ontario’s quarterback Evan Pawliuk completed 4 of 8 for 115 yards, the longest for 72 yards to Jake Ruddy who also was used at quarterback and completed 3 for 3 for 53 yards. Six foot five inch, 265 pound giant, Josh Prinsen, led the offensive line and earned Team MVP honours. While on defense, mammoth defensive end, Scott Mitchell led in tackles and was selected Team MVP.
Thunder Bay’s never say die attitude was evident with the play of both Team MVP nominees Will Nyantakyi and Matt Paisley. Nyantaki played running back, returned punts and also kickoffs of which he amassed a total of 130 yards in returns. Paisley was clearly visible consistently making tackles on defense and specialty teams.
NEXT U17 GAMES:
Game 1: FRIDAY, JULY 14, AT 4:00 P.M. THUNDER BAY VS. WESTERN ONTARIO
Game 2: FRIDAY, JULY 14, AT 7:00 P.M. MANITOBA VS. EASTERN ONTARIO
Both games to be played at Canad Inns Stadium.
Complete tournament statistics are available at www.footballcanadacup.com.
