The Hafford Vikings football team, pictured here with their provincial gold medals. (Facebook/Hafford Football)

By Martin Martinson

Vikings Vets Reminisce

Hafford Vikings reflect on provincial championship

Dec 3, 2021 | 5:29 PM

Just a couple of weeks after taking home a provincial title on their home field, the thrill of the championship still hasn’t worn off for the Hafford Vikings football team.

Their third-straight provincial championship for the team – interrupted only by the cancelled season last year, due to the pandemic – the Vikings’ seniors and team captains caught up with battlefordsNOW to share what the championship meant to them, as they look back and reflect on their high school football careers.

All five of the following players played each of the last four seasons (five years) with the Vikings, lining up on both sides of the ball this year to help lead the team to a perfect 9-0 record, on their way to the championship.

No. 27 Dawson Horner

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One of six players on the roster from nearby Blaine Lake, located just under 30 minutes west of Hafford, Dawson Horner played weak-side offensive end, and outside linebacker for the team during the 2021 campaign.

Pictured L-R:, the Vikings’ core four: Haiden Sanchez (No. 28), Dawson Horner (No. 27), Michael Szwydky (No. 9), and Eric Boyko (No. 10). (Submitted photo/Michael Szwydky)

Horner said he couldn’t have asked for a better senior year with the team, with the championship serving as the cherry on top of his high school experience.

“It felt amazing, and obviously it’s the best way you could dream of ending your high school football career, is winning a championship,” Horner said. “Plus, it’s even better to do so on your home field in front of all your fans.”

Scoring two touchdowns for the team in their championship game against Carrot River, Horner said those plays, and the comradery throughout the years are among the fondest memories he’ll take from his time in the Vikings’ blue and white.

“Scoring those two touchdowns in the provincial final will definitely be something I remember most, along with just the practices too, just joking with the boys,” he said. “It was a great experience, and it will be the thing I remember most about my high school years.”

No. 9 Michael Szwydky

Another of the team’s leadership group from Blaine Lake, Michael Szwydky served as wide receiver and safety for the team this season.

Michael Szwydky, pictured here in action for the Hafford VIkings. (Submitted photo/Michael Szwydky)

He said looking back, it’s easy to see the team was destined for big things this year.

“We had everything in our favour this year,” Szwydky recalled with an audible smile. “At the start of the season I was a little unsure because we were young and didn’t have that many experienced guys, but after we played that first game, I was like, ‘yep, this is another provincial team.’ We were prepared, and the fans were definitely a big part of our success too.”

Szwydky said more than any one moment in particular, he’ll remember the feeling and the atmosphere of game days with the team.

“Every game was a memory with the great fans,” he said. Home games especially were the biggest part of my time in Grade 12 year this season.”

Szwydky will be suiting up for the Saskatoon Hilltops next year, while likely pursuing something in the trades on the education side of things.

No. 10 Eric Boyko

At defensive end and offensive end, Eric Boyko was the lone fifth-year player on the Vikings from the community originally, to have played his entire high school career with the team.

Eric Boyko (No. 10) and Michael Michael Szwydky (No. 9) pose for a picture on gameday this season. (Submitted photo/Michael Szwydky)

Boyko said it’s not lost on him, just how rare it is to be able to take home a provincial championship on home turf, in the presence of family and friends.

“It feels awesome winning a provincial title in your home town, as very few teams get to do that,” he said. “The two other times we won provincials it was on the other team’s field, so to win it at home was something really special.”

“I had tons of family there, as all my aunts and uncles and cousins came out to come watch, and I had lots of friends come out to support too, so it was a pretty special experience,” he added.

Boyko does intend to continue his football career post-high school, with plans to try out for some junior Canadian teams, such as the Saskatoon Hilltops and Regina Thunder.

No. 28 Haiden Sanchez

At running back and weak-side middle linebacker, Haiden Sanchez was another of the Blaine Lake representatives to make up the core of the Vikings 2021 team.

Set to attend Mount Royal University in Calgary next fall, Sanchez said he’s unsure if his time with the Hafford Vikings will mark the end of his football journey, or if he will pursue the game further at the post-secondary level.

However, despite what the future may hold, he said his time with the team provided memories and valuable life lessons that will last a lifetime.

“The lessons I took from playing and just learning from the coaches are something to be proud of, and something you just can’t forget,” Sanchez said. “The relationships and bonding with the team gave so many unforgettable moments.”

Memories that last: The Vikings pictured here celebrating their provincial title in front of family and friends. (Submitted photo/Haiden Sanchez)

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1