Grade 12 running back, Quaid Watson (38) and his Vikings' teammates will host the NSFL championship game Saturday at Beaver Lions Stadium at 2 p.m. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

NSFL title on the line

NBCHS Vikings ready for championship game this weekend

Oct 25, 2023 | 4:08 PM

When it comes to football, there’s nothing more exciting than a championship game… except when that game is played on the home gridiron.

That is the situation for the North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) Vikings senior football team, who will host P.A.’s St. Mary this weekend for the North Sask Football League (NSFL) final, in North Battleford.

The Vikings are coming off a 22-0 victory over the Martensville Royals last week to advance to the league final, against a St. Mary team fresh off an upset victory over their cross-town rivals from P.A. Carlton to pave their path to the championship game.

Grade 11 running back with the Vikings, Levi Koenig said heading into a second straight playoff game on their home field with the chance to play for a league championship, is everything he and his teammates could request.

“I’m just excited to have this opportunity with such a great group of guys,” Koenig said, with noticeable anticipation in his tone. “Especially playing at home with all those fans, just knowing all our hard work paid off would be a great feeling.”

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Head coach of the Vikings, Mike Humenny said after hosting just their second home playoff game since 1995 in the semis, having the chance to go so again – with the league title on the line, no less – makes for a special opportunity for the players.

“With us having the opportunity to host another playoff game, that’s simply outstanding,” Humenny said. “We’re very excited as a group to be hosting the league final in the first year of this North Sask Football League, and Saturday’s going to be quite the atmosphere for our squad and especially for the Grade 12s.”

NBCHS did host St. Mary once prior, back in their regular season home opener, taking home a 21-14 victory back in late September. Humenny said heading into Saturday’s game at Beaver Lions Stadium, the key will be to come out ready to start on time.

“That’s a team that is very physical, they can rush the football, and it’s playoff football, so we’ll need our best,” Humenny said.

“They’re a very well-coached team that run the ball extremely well, [and] obviously last week against P.A. Carlton they were able to get it done defensively as well, so we have our work cut out for us and nothing’s going to be easy, but we have a game plan in place and the guys are quite excited about it.”

Kickoff Saturday at Beaver Lions Stadium will be at 2 p.m. The stadium is located next to the Access Communications Centre rink in North Battleford.

The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to play the Saskatoon champion the weekend of Nov. 4.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1