Wide receiver, Carson Derksen (left), and quarterback, Ty Dubyk (right), will trade in their Hafford Vikings jerseys for those of the Regina Thunder this fall. (Submitted photo/Ty Dubyk)

By Martin Martinson

Dynamic Duo

Hafford’s Derksen, Dubyk commit to Regina Thunder

Apr 5, 2021 | 4:30 PM

“Dubyk… drops back in the pocket and airs one out for Derksen, streaking down the sideline… and he’s gone!”

For the last four-plus years, the Ty Dubyk/Carson Derksen connection has been nothing short of electrifying for Hafford football fans. Following their recent commitments to the Regina Thunder for the fall of 2021, it’s one that should only continue to flourish in the provincial capital.

Close friends on and off the field, Dubyk and Derksen joined the local junior tackle program together in sixth grade, and by their freshman year of high school (Grade 9) were both starters on their high school team.

Together, the pair would go on to lead the Hafford Vikings to back-to-back provincial championships in 2018 and 2019; success the pair will hope to help replicate at the next level with the Thunder.

Dubyk, who plays the quarterback position, said he’s looking forward to the opportunity ahead to take the next step in his football career, and it’s a bonus to be able to do so alongside a teammate and friend from his high school team.

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“I’m very excited for the chance to play at the next level, and be able to play with some of my teammates from Hafford, which will be really fun,” Dubyk said. “It’s nice too because you’re not the only one going down south [this fall] trying to meet new people, though before long, everyone [else] will be your teammate too.”

Dubyk (left) and Derksen (right) wasted no time making their name at the high school level with the Hafford Vikings, and will look to do the same with the Regina Thunder next fall. {Submitted photos/Ty Dubyk/Carson Derksen).

Derksen, who plays wide receiver, said in addition to Regina’s success on the field in recent years, what really stood out to him about the Thunder organization was their interest in who he was as a person, as well as a player.

“I’m definitely ecstatic to be able to join the program there, as it’s a great opportunity and there’s nothing but excitement from my end,” Derksen said. “I love their family atmosphere and they’re very inclusive and really get to know you.”

Coach of the Hafford Vikings, Ryan Barnstable said he has no doubt both players will continue to thrive at the next level, given their mix of skill, enthusiasm, and dedication to the game.

“Ty [Dubyk] is a very talented quarterback with a strong and accurate arm and a winning attitude, while Carson [Derksen] is an extremely skilled receiver with great hands, great quickness, and an outstanding work ethic; so I think they are both going to do really well at that level,” Barnstable said.

The Regina Thunder finished the 2019 season second overall in the 2019 Prairie Football Conference with a 6-2 record.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1