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Knights sending nine midget players to league's showcase game

Nine players and the head coach from the Ridge Meadows Knights midget team will be participating in the Star Bowl
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Nine players and the head coach from the Ridge Meadows Knights midget team will be participating in the Star Bowl event this spring, to showcase talent for scouts from university and junior football programs.

Jeff Boyce, who has coached in the local association for 11 years, stepped up to midget for the first time last season,

“We just had a really good season, and kind of caught the whole province by surprise,” said Boyce.

The Knights finished the season tied for first place, with a record of 8-2, then lost in the provincial semi-final.

On April 20, nine players will take part in the league’s all-star spectacle in Abbotsford.

Brett Boyce, the coach’s son, is a running back/linebacker who makes an impact on both sides of the ball.

Jainal Gill is a big-play wide receiver who piles up yards and scores.

Spencer Hambley is a big, strong and athletic tight end.

Brock Loewen is a defensive lineman who is big and strong enough to play on both sides of the ball, but also mobile enough to fill in at linebacker.

Elijah Goerzen is a defensive end who uses his big height to knock down passes and a big heart to keep pressure on the quarterback.

Daniel Orydzuk is another wideout with great hands and a high football IQ.

Zac Chamberland is a lineman who blasts through tacklers, who has already been recruited by universities.

Joe Schuster was a receiver, but after the Knights lost their quarterback early in the year he finished the year at the pivot position. At the Star Bowl he will play slot receiver, where his quickness, toughness and sticky hands are his best assets.

Wyatt Durocher played tackle, and at over 300 pounds is the biggest kid on the Knights’ roster.

Boyce will coach a team comprised of the top players from Coquitlam, Langley, Nanaimo, Victoria, North Surrey and Ridge Meadows. They will play a team made up of players from the other rosters of midget teams around the Valley Community Football League and Vancouver Mainland Football League.

Boyce said the game is played hard, but there are no chop blocks, limited blitzes and other rules for the occassion.

“It’s a big game, and all the kids will get to play – they’re there to be showcased.”

Boyce will get his team on team on the field on April 7 to begin training for the game.

“I can’t wait – I’m excited to get this going,” he said.



Neil Corbett

About the Author: Neil Corbett

I have been a journalist for more than 30 years, the past decade with the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News.
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