Saskatchewan wins gold at home in 2023 Western Regional Challenge

July 8, Regina, SK – Team Saskatchewan was crowned best in the West on Saturday in the final game of the 2023 U16 Western Regional Challenge. Team BC collected the silver medal and Team Alberta secured the bronze.

The host team Saskatchewan comfortably captured the gold medal in an entertaining 34-0 win against Team BC. After a neck-to-neck first quarter where both sides held each other out of the end zone, Sask opened the score almost mid-way in the second quarter when Samuel Trent-L. rushed nine yards for the touchdown. Trent-L. would later add to his tally when he completed a 19-yard run for his second touchdown of the day in the fourth quarter. The Corbyn Thompson to Keaton Belsher connection was also productive for Saskatchewan, resulting in two more touchdowns, one in the second quarter and one in the final quarter. A 1-yard rush by Marcus Adams in the third quarter and four converts rounded up the score for the winners.

Team BC’s stars of the day were Santiago Llarena (six rushes for 27 yards) on offense, and Kobe Kidd (five tackles, two for a loss) on defense, while Saskatchewan’s top receiver on the day Keaton Belsher was selected as offensive MVP and his teammate Jack Baer earned a defensive honour for his four tackles.

In the first game of the day, Alberta battled to a convincing 42-7 bronze medal win against Manitoba. Alberta’s QB Harrison Hyndman was selected as the team’s offensive MVP thanks to his 7/12, 109 yards and one touchdown performance, while his teammate Cole MacInnis’ 8 tackle day earned him the defensive MVP honour. Manitoba’s receiver Jayden Wahl was selected offensive MVP with five receptions for 40 yards and one touchdown, and Brandon Bartone got the defensive nod after a 6-tackle game.

Full statistical reports and game replays, as well as information on future Football Canada tackle events, are available at footballcanada.ca.