Saskatchewan Claims its Fifth Consecutive U16 Western Challenge Title with a 32–17 Win Over Alberta, Manitoba takes home Bronze
Winnipeg, MB – Saskatchewan continued its dominance over Western Canadian youth football with a decisive 32–17 victory over Alberta in the 2025 U16 Western Challenge Final. The win marks Saskatchewan’s fifth straight championship.
Quarterback Xavier Gatin led a confident Saskatchewan offence, throwing for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 23 yards and a score. His ability to manage the game, extend drives, and deliver in key moments was a defining factor in the outcome.
The ground attack was powered by Ashton Houmphanh, who exploded for 95 yards on 7 carries, averaging 13.6 yards per rush. Saskatchewan also saw key contributions from Lucas Hawley, who added 14 yards on 6 carries, and Rhett Mikituk, who chipped in with 5 yards on 2 attempts.
Saskatchewan’s defence once again proved elite. Hunter Creurer and Grayson Gursky each came up with critical interceptions, while the front seven, anchored by Malique King and Caiden Czerniak, applied relentless pressure and shut down Alberta’s rushing lanes. The defensive unit held Alberta to just 139 total yards and one late-game touchdown.
That score came in the fourth quarter when quarterback Davin Bankebabone connected with Ben Borshowa for Alberta’s first score of the game. Bankebabone also picked up 8 rushing yards, while Derrick Wygle was Alberta’s top performer on the ground, carrying 14 times for 62 yards. Micah Lorenzin added 7 yards on 2 carries.
Alberta’s defence was led by Declan Reid, Cullen Mcilwaine and Defensive Player of the Game David Craciunescu, who helped stall Saskatchewan drives in the second half and force multiple punts.
Saskatchewan’s discipline and efficiency stood out all game. They committed just three penalties for 25 yards, compared to Alberta’s nine for 85, and dominated possession, while shutting Alberta out on third downs (0-for-5). Ultimately, Saskatchewan’s complete performance on both sides of the ball proved too much for Alberta to overcome. With the 32–17 win, Saskatchewan cemented its place atop the U16 West, capturing a fifth consecutive Western Challenge title.
In the Bronze Medal game earlier that day, Manitoba edged British Columbia 26–20 in one of the most thrilling matchups in U16 West history. Scoring opened with a strike from Owen Gudmundson to Everett Houlahan, who found space over the middle and sprinted into the end zone, setting the tone for a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. BC would answer with its first major in the 2nd quarter on a Reid Dixon to Nolan James connection, as Dixon rolled right to evade pressure and fired a strike to James, who broke through two defenders and muscled his way into the end zone.
Manitoba Quarterback Blake Dagg entered the game late and delivered when it mattered most, orchestrating a composed game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. BC pushed to the final whistle, powered by standout performances from Dixon and receiver Owen McDougall, however Manitoba’s defence also rose to the occasion keeping a hot BC team from scoring in the dying seconds of the game and securing the province’s first tournament medal since 2017.
The tournament’s three Most Valuable Players were honoured following the final. Xavier Gatin was named Offensive MVP, recognized for his poise, precision, and ability to lead Saskatchewan’s attack throughout the week. Malique King earned Defensive MVP honours for his relentless presence at linebacker, playing a key role in shutting down opposing offences and leading the defensive unit with intensity and intelligence and Special Teams MVP was awarded to Alex Jay Bangura of Team Manitoba, who consistently flipped field position with explosive returns and game-changing speed in the return game.
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