The Hafford Vikings celebrate with pure jubilation following their provincial championship victory. (submitted photo/Allison Wawryk)

By Martin Martinson

Top of the Mountain

Hafford Vikings win fourth straight provincial championship

Nov 15, 2022 | 3:00 PM

For the fourth straight year, the Hafford Vikings are on top of the football world, as Provincial 1A Six-aside champions.

Hosting the provincial final on their home field for the second year in a row, the Vikings took home a 38-16 victory over North Valley High to clinch the championship, Hafford’s sixth in franchise history (2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 1991, 1989).

A look in from the Hafford Vikings provincials win on their home field. (submitted photos/Allison Wawryk)

Head coach of the Vikings, Ryan Barnstable said it was great to see the team’s hard work all season pay off in the biggest game of the year.

“I was really proud of how the boys played, it was a tight game, and they really made some big plays when we needed them,” Barnstable said. “Every ounce of preparation we put in during the season was necessary to get that win, and to win it at home. I think the boys will cherish that.”

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Among the defining plays for the Vikings was a late drive with about a minute to go before the half, that saw the team march downfield and score a late touchdown, capped by a slick pass from quarterback Hunter Barnstable to Grade 12 wide receiver, Carter Burton for the 22-16 lead heading into half-time.

In the third quarter, the team’s final touchdown then came on the third TD of the night by Grade 9, Ty Mix, who took the handoff on a 90-yard run for the score to put the game away at 38-16.

Strongside linebacker and offensive lineman, Daylon LaFreniere, was one of four seniors on the team this year. Having played all four years with the Vikings, he said while each of the provincial titles meant something special, there’s ‘nothing better’ than winning one senior year.

“It was definitely good to win as a Grade 12, and honestly a way different feeling than as a rookie or not a starter,” LaFreniere said. “It feels good to win in the last year and be able to do it here [on the home field] with quite a few fans and lots of family.”

The 2022 provincial 1A Six-aside champions, Hafford Vikings. (submitted photo/Allison Wawryk)

Hunter Reid was in his first year with the team, playing defensive line. He said as he looks back, he’s filled with gratitude for deciding to join the team this year, and be a part of something special.

“I kind of thought since this was my Grade 12 year, I just wanted to join the team, and I’m glad I did to be part of a team like this,” Reid said. “It was a really exciting game and just in the senior year to be able to win that was kind of the cherry on top of a good year.”

Justin Moore, who played primarily running back and defensive rush end is another who had been with the Vikings since Grade 9. He said as he reflects back on the last four years, it’s the relationships built along the way that stand out most.

“That’s what made our team really good was just the bonding with everybody, and that dedication to each other,” Moore said.

“It’s a crazy experience to have gone all four years with championships, and with all the teams I’ve been with and all the guys who have graduated and come up, just creating those relationships with each of the guys; being taught by the older guys and then passing that along and teaching the younger ones, that was a very amazing experience.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1