Staff
It’s go time for three local gridiron talents going up against the best in the nation at their age level.
Muskie quarterback Brandon Whitecrow, running back Sekina Schiebler and defensive lineman Kenton Bowles will take to the field tomorrow as part of the Manitoba-Silver squad for their opening game of the 2016 Football Canada Cup in Winnipeg.
The black-and-gold trio are part of Manitoba-Silver’s 40-man roster that is composed mostly of Thunder Bay-area players along with seven from Manitoba.
Northwestern Ontario falls within the jurisdiction of Football Manitoba, thereby creating the scenario where players from the region can represent a different province.
Manitoba-Silver is the ultimate underdog as the No. 8 seed in the eight-team championship.
Quebec holds the No. 1 seed, followed by No. 2 Ontario, No. 3 Saskatchewan, No. 4 Alberta, No. 5 Nova Scotia, No. 6 Manitoba-Gold and No. 7 New Brunswick.
The championship itself is just one important aspect of the event for those participating.
Numerous college and university scouts will be on hand to assess possible future candidates for their own teams.
As well, Football Canada evaluators will be eyeing up prospects for this year’s Canadian national junior team, which will go on to play in the International Bowl.
Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Manitoba-Gold will be the other squads on hand for the championship.
Manitoba-Silver will get a formidable test in its debut tomorrow, drawing top-seeded Quebec right off the bat for the late game of the day at 8:30 p.m. following the ceremonial kickoff.
The winner moves to the championship side of the bracket, while the loser heads to the consolation draw, both of which will hold their semifinals on Tuesday.
