By Martin Martinson

Crusaders celebrate season, honour players at awards banquet

Nov 19, 2018 | 1:00 PM

The John Paul II Crusaders held their annual awards banquet, presenting their individual awards for the 2018 season over the weekend, with the team also taking the opportunity to honour their Senior Grade 12 players graduating from the team.

The JPII football program had a very positive year in 2018, as the team improved from last season’s 2-4 mark, finishing the regular season with a 5-1 record before moving on to the playoffs, ultimately advancing to the final four teams before losing to Humboldt in the Provincial semifinals by a 23-15 score.

Reflecting on the season, Crusaders’ head coach, Bruce Yockey, said the team showed heart and determination leaving it all on the field to the very end.

“We’re very happy about the season we had,” Yockey said. “Maybe at the end it was a bit bitter sweet, as we thought we could maybe advance further, but we had a great game against Humboldt [in the semifinals] and it was a game of breaks.”

“Overall though, it was a really successful year, good solid regular season and decent run through the playoffs as well. We’re really proud of the boys and all they accomplished this year, and it should bode well moving forward,” Yockey added.

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The Following Awards were presented at the John Paul II football year-end banquet:

Junior Awards:

Most Promising Jr. Offensive Player:  Josh Fransoo          

Most Promising Jr. Defensive Player:  Cole Fransoo

Top Jr. Lineman:  Jonah Simon

Senior Awards:

Top Offensive Lineman:  Thomas Ely                         

Top Defensive Lineman:  Kaleb Fonda, John Panapasa

Rookie of the Year:  Leo Senger             

Most Improved Player:  Joel Doke, Kaleb Fonda

Special Teams:  Blaise Sieben

Top Offensive Player:  Leo Senger

Top Defensive Player:  Andrew Pyle

Most Dedicated:  Zach Wells  

Captains Choice : Senior – Joel Doke  Junior – Eric Senger

M.V.P:  Andrew Pyle          

Crusader Award:  Thomas Ely, Erik Littlepoplar

*The Crusader Award goes to the player(s) who demonstrate what Crusader Football is all about. They are dedicated, motivated to improve, hardworking and persevere to overcome all obstacles. They do all this with the team goals in mind and do not seek personal glory.      

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1