NB Football prospects reflect on CFC prospects game

The team also had a chance to take in a Hamilton Tiger-Cats game before its own, giving the players a sense of what it would be like for them on the same field.

“It was definitely cool just watching the fans and how they support all the players,” Johnson said.

Even with the step up in competition, both players had moments in the game where they proved they belonged.

On an early punt, Johnson was long snapping and ran down the field to make a tackle.

“It kind of boosted my confidence a bit, and I realized that I could hold my own in this game,” he said.

While Schmunk said he didn’t have any big impact plays, he was happy with his game overall.

“I made a solid impact throughout the whole game and made little plays when needed while doing my role throughout the game. So that gave me confidence to keep playing at a high level and above the others to the best of my ability.”

A significant part of the experience, they said, was the level of talent they were playing with and against.

“Playing with all the elite athletes across the country, and lots of them are probably going to go to U Sports or the NCAA, it’s just amazing being able to play that type of athlete on the field,” Schmunk said.

“It was really good competition, probably the best I’ve played against,” Johnson added. “I felt like it made me a better player in ways as well.”

On top of playing with and against some of the top players in Canadian high school football, both said it was special to come away with a win.

“It’s the most energetic thing I’ve ever had happen to me while playing football. It’s hard to beat when you win a championship or something, but winning a game live on TSN is the best experience I’ve had playing football,” Schmunk said.

The players were also able to share the moment with family members who made the trip.

“I just appreciate my parents and my grandparents coming out and supporting me. It was not easy sitting through that game in the rain,” Johnson said.

Playing under a new coaching staff also gave both players different perspectives on the game.

“It’s great having different views from different coaches because everyone teaches different defensive-line moves,” Schmunk said. “I was taught a whole different technique compared to what I usually do, and I can adapt that into my own play style and improve as a player and a person.”

“They talked a lot about footwork and handwork that I could improve, and I’m going to try to better myself on that so I can improve overall,” Johnson said.

For Schmunk and Johnson, the trip to Hamilton included a national-stage game, a win and the chance to compete against top talent from across Canada.

After this experience, Johnson and Schmunk will play at the under-18 Canada Cup in Winnipeg in July with Team Saskatchewan before returning for their final year of high school football with North Battleford Comprehensive High School.

—

Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

NB Football prospects reflect on CFC prospects game

What's Trending