When looking for Moose Jaw-born football talent, it can even be found beyond the province of Saskatchewan.
Jake Giokas, 2022 Central Collegiate graduate and starting center of the Vancouver Island Raiders, is back home after an award-winning football season.
The Raiders are centered in Nanaimo, BC in the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). This season the team finished with a record of 4 - 6. Despite Missing the playoffs, this season was successful compared to previous years.
"We're a very young team so it had a bit of growing pains, but we found our groove at the end to go 3 - 0 to close out the season," said Giokias.
At center, Giokas won the Kane Procyshen Memorial Award for Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman from the team in 2024. The Moose Jaw product aided his team to 242 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and a conference-leading passing game with 1,085 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, Giokas' success goes beyond stats.
"You have to lead your guys and hold them accountable. You also have to make sure everyone is on the same page and that the protection is right," stated Giokas.
Avery LeBlanc got to sit down with Jake Giokas to discuss his plans for the offseason and how bright the future is with the Raiders. Listen to the full interview below.