Pair of NBCHS Vikings reflect on claiming silver at Canada Cup

Schmunk mentioned a significant part of the experience being the training camp in Winnipeg before the games were played.

“It was like no other. Training for a full week with this group of athletes was such a fun experience. It was full-on go, go, go and prepare, which I haven’t done anything like for a while, so it was a really fun environment to be around.”

On top of battling other teams, they also had to battle the heat, with the temperature in Winnipeg nearing 50 C with the humidex.

“It was a really tough challenge with it feeling like plus-50 with no AC in the dorms, so it was a challenge with that. But, when we were practising, the team really came together and put a good run on at the Canada Cup,” Schmunk said.

“Having a fun environment even though we had multiple delays on our games. We still managed to fight through every game until we just barely lost in the final.”

Throughout the tournament, Saskatchewan played only Eastern teams: Ontario (44-34 W), Quebec (23-20 L) and New Brunswick (28-3 W).

Johnson talked about Quebec’s offence being heavier on trick plays than he is used to seeing.

“They were quite different. They were running a lot of different fronts against us and it was a lot more complex. I felt like they were more of a trickery team than skill.”

Schmunk said as a defensive lineman, he did not have to make too many adjustments for Quebec’s trickery, saying some of it could actually benefit a lineman.

“As long as I kept my responsibility, it was more the DB’s coverage who had to adapt to the trick plays and how to respond. It’s hard to do many tricks on the line because they usually have to be showing you where they’re going.”

“If they do the misdirection on the line, it usually leaves someone open to go either get a sack or make a big play.”

Though the misdirection didn’t impact the game for Schmunk too much, he did notice one big difference between teams in Saskatchewan and teams further east.

“They have bigger bodies out there, so they can play more ground-and-pound base football and just try and beat you with size.”

“The advantage we have out west is usually speed. We can just play around it, get to our spots quicker, and then make the play before they can get anything going. That’s what I found really helped us throughout the tournament.”

For both players, something that added to their experience was the fact that they had their families there to watch.

“Just appreciate my family, you know, spending all the time and money just to support what I love doing. They were there for all nine nights there in a hotel,” Johnson said.

“It was definitely good, being able to spend free time there and just kind of having a place to be away from all the football and just kind of take my mind off things.”

Schmunk met some family from Winnipeg for the first time, which was also a cool experience for him.

“It was nice getting to see them for the first time, get to know them and then show out in front of them at a national level.”

After the Canada Cup concluded, both players will prepare for the upcoming high school season with North Battleford Comprehensive High School.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

Pair of NBCHS Vikings reflect on claiming silver at Canada Cup

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