Football season is around the corner, and several local athletes are preparing by attending different camps.
These camps include travel across the country, but some camps are closer to home.
Four Portage Collegiate Institute football players recently had the opportunity to test their skills against some of the province’s top young athletes at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ U18 Blue and Gold Showcase.
Grade 11 students Max Johnson and Harley Utech were among the Trojans selected to attend the camp, which brings together standout players from across Manitoba for elite-level coaching and competition.
For Johnson, a defensive end, the showcase was the latest in a series of high-level football experiences. He had just returned from the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge in British Columbia, a national event featuring the top 100 high school players in Canada. He notes that he felt prepared for the Blue and Gold Showcase because of his time in BC.
“I think it went pretty well. I was quite ready for it because I was at the Fox 40 in B.C. before that. The competition was good. I got two sacks and a couple of tackles for loss. I think I showcased myself quite well.”
Johnson says the coaching at the Bombers’ camp stood out, with several players from the University of Manitoba Bisons and the CFL club offering hands-on instruction.
“There were several players named Kaleb (Mackie-McLeod) and Jack (Shaffer) from the Bisons, as well as Izzy (Israel Opanubi) and Collin Kornelson. They were all very helpful. They taught me a lot and were super nice.”
Utech, who plays across the offensive line and is preparing to try out on defence next season, was attending the showcase for the second time.
“It was fun just to think my coaches think I’m one of the best on my team. I always try to be the best, and it feels good that the coaches think that I’m the best at my position.”
Utech says the experience of pulling on a Blue and Gold jersey and learning from some of the province’s top football minds was “surreal.”
“Just getting coached by some of the top coaches and some Bomber players — it was amazing."
Both players said the camp helped them improve their skills and build confidence heading into their final year of high school football.
Johnson outlines some of the areas where he feels he improved the most.
“They helped me get my get-off faster and better at hand fighting,” Johnson said. “I feel like I can get more tackles now and I feel more confident out on the field.”
Utech, who played centre when he first joined the team and now lines up at left tackle, said he’s looking forward to continuing to grow as a player.
“I would love to go to college and play some football and continue my schooling,” he said.
Both players still have one more year to compete at the high school level. They note that they’re eager to bring what they’ve learned back to the Trojans and help lead their team in the upcoming season.
“It was exciting,” Johnson said of being named one of PCI’s top four players. “During the season, I wasn’t sure where I stood, but I thought I did really well. It was great to be recognized.”