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Brandyn Schmunk and Reed Johnson will head to Hamilton, ON on May 23 for the CFC prospects game on TSN. (Image Credit: North Battleford Comprehensive High School/Facebook)
UNDER THE LIGHTS

Pair of NBCHS football players selected for national showcase game

May 5, 2026 | 5:18 PM

The Canadian Football Chat (CFC) prospect game will be taking place on May 23 in Hamilton, ON, and two North Battleford residents will be representing the community and the North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) Vikings. 

Offensive tackle Reed Johnson as well as defensive lineman Brandyn Schmunk will be making the trip to Hamilton to showcase themselves and the school. 

A game like that can be packed with pressure, but it helps both have somebody else to share the experience with. 

“You have some familiarity with it with people being around you that you know. Of course, it’s scary,” said Schmunk. “It makes it a lot easier. It kind of shows that our school has some good coaching that definitely proves that,” said Johnson, praising his coaching. 

Schmunk mentioned being in Sweden recently for football, so he’s no stranger to the pressure of travelling for the sport. “Traveling before, it helps. I know how to prep for games like this while lots of people might not.” 

For a game like this, there’s a different kind of preparation which goes into it. “So being able to keep my sleep up is a big one. Then nutrition wise is another major factor to help me feel ready for the game,” said Schmunk. “It’s harder to have stable meals and get enough sleep when you’re traveling.” 

Reed and Schmunk are two of three Saskatchewan representatives in the game, making it more special for them to represent North Battleford on a national scale. 

“Being from a small town, it makes a big impact on the community doing these different things. Having two of us in one year going out there to play a game on TSN is shocking and really exciting to happen,” said Schmunk. “Hopefully that our town will get some recognition for it,” Johnson added. 

As they head to Ontario for the prospects game, Schmunk and Reed look to get not only quality experience, but exposure with more media and scout presence. 

“I haven’t traveled out to Eastern Canada before. So, it’s going to be nice going out there, playing in the CFL stadium and getting that type of experience,” said Schmunk. 

“Just be recognized and stuff and represent my town,” Johnson said. “I’m just willing to go there and do my best and take out of it what I can.” 

The prospect game on May 23 is at Tim Hortons Field, home of the Hamilton Tiger Cats, and will be the first time the game is played at night. 

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com