Mustangs hope to gallop with the big boys

The linebacking corps that takes the field for Manitoba at the upcoming Football Canada Cup will bear a strong resemblance to the one that anchored the defence for the St. Vital Mustangs midget team the past few seasons.

Mustangs teammates Devon Anderson and Braden Vankoughnett will both be looking to impress university scouts while leading Manitoba to victory in the elite under-18 tournament slated for July 10 to 17 in Wolfville, N.S.

Vankoughnett, whose father Dave played on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ offensive line for 12 seasons, was on the province’s under-17 team last season.

"It was a great experience," said the 16-year-old St. Vital resident. "I learned a lot of new stuff and had fun bonding with the guys, plus we got a chance to work with the best coaching in the province."

For Anderson, who was named the co-defensive MVP of the Midget Football League of Manitoba last season, this Canada Cup marks a huge opportunity after a broken ankle kept him off last year’s team.

"I can’t even put it into words," he said. "It’s amazing to finally get a chance to play for my province and prove what I’ve got."

Anderson, a 17-year-old graduate of Windsor Park Collegiate, said he’s representing more than just his province.

"I definitely feel like I’m representing the community clubs," said Anderson, who has played all of his club football for St. Vital. "We want to show what we have compared to the high school kids."

Like Vankoughnett did last year, Anderson will quickly get a lesson in how much faster the game is played when only the country’s best 15-to-18-year-old players are on the field.

"It definitely opens your eyes," said Vankoughnett. "The speed and the high level of coaching should help prepare you for the next level."

Just making this year’s Team Manitoba was a major accomplishment. Tryouts began in February, with more than 300 players hoping to wear provincial colours. After the Blue and Gold Game in early May, the final 40-man roster was selected.

Preparations for the Canada Cup — which will feature eight teams from British Columbia to Nova Scotia — were all about getting a lot done in a short period of time.

A whirlwind training camp at East Side Eagles Field from July 2 to 7 was all the time the team had to install its schemes, but Vankoughnett and Anderson weren’t concerned about the squad being ready.