The undefeated North Winnipeg Nomads are the champions of the Midget Football League of Manitoba.
In a game marked by great catches, long runs, a handful of fumbles and even more interceptions, Zachary Saraillonrushed for three touchdowns and led the heavily-favored Nomads to a 42-21 win over the Eastman Raiders in the championship game of the MFLM.
On a bitterly cold night, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Canad Inns Stadium, Nomads quarterback Julian Wytinck used both his solid ground game and quick-hitting passing game to build a 22-7 halftime lead and coast to the first big win of Football Manitoba’s Championship Weekend.
Saraillon was the star, rushing five yards, one yard and two yards for touchdowns while Mason Kelley, who also played linebacker, rushed 23 yards and 15 yards for second half TDs as the Nomads started slowly and then dominated from the end of the first quarter to final gun.
Saraillon was named offensive player of the game while Justin Guillas, who had two interceptions, was named defensive player of the game.
“When Zach (Saraillon) is ready to play there is no stopping that freight train,” said Nomads head coach Max Hyde. “He gave the guys a little speech before the game and you could tell he was fired. It was his last game with the Nomads and you could see that Nomads pride coming out. He really wanted to win this one and it was nice to see him at his best.”
Wytinck, who has been the Nomads (9-0) leader all season, told reporters after the game, “It feels good. We got off to a slow start but once we got going, I knew we’d hard to beat.”
Wytinck’s coach was not only pleased with his performance, he was also pleased that his big back would return next season.
"He’s a big kid with a lot of skill and he’s only 16,” Hyde said. “He’s really a great example for the other guys. He’s proof that if you work hard, you’ll be rewarded.
“We’re a team that has a lot of firepower. We came into this game with a game plan and the guys stuck to it, did a lot of preparation and were ready to play. I thought we gave it a pretty impressive effort.”
Next up for the Midget League is Midget Bowl 5 at East Side Eagles Field next Sunday at 1p.m. It’s the annual MFLM all-star game and will feature many of the players who starred at Championship Weekend.
The Midget Football League of Manitoba is proud to announce that Midget Bowl V, the league's annual post-season all-star showcase, will take place the afternoon of Sunday, November 4th (1:00pm) at East Side Eagles Field.
Practices are scheduled for North Winnipeg's Charlie Krupp Stadium (McPhillips Street) on these dates:
Wednesday, October 31st (6:30pm-9:00pm) Thursday, November 1st (6:30pm-9:00pm) Friday, November 2nd (6:30pm-8:30pm)
Following Wednesday's practice, players will be divided into two squads- Team Silver and Team Green, corresponding to the home and away colours of the Winnipeg Rifles.
Selected players will be notified by their football club between Tuesday, October 23rd and Thursday, October 25th.
Players are required to supply full equipment for practices and games, including game pants and socks. Game jerseys are owned by the MFLM and will be loaned to the players on gameday. Players are expected to be in attendance for each practice, and if a player is unable to attend he must notify his club's head coach. If a player is absent for the first practice and has not informed his coach or
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, that player will be assumed to have declined his invitation, and his roster spot will be given away to another player.
Barring a major snowstorm or extreme cold, event activities will not be canceled or postponed. Please visit this website (www.midgetfootball.ca) daily for status updates. Players should arrive 15 to 20 minutes early for each practice, and dress for the weather. Players are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Locker room facilities will be provided, and athletic therapists will be present at all practices and the game.
Game tickets will be $5.00 at the gate on game day, and children 12-and-under will be admitted free. Game highlights will be videotaped for the league's YouTube channel.
Date: Saturday, October 20th Location:Canad Inns Stadium Times: 12:00pm and 3:00pm Tickets: $5.00 (not $6.00) children 12 and under free Available at Ticketmaster on Game Day (Doors Open @ 11am)
