Like an Alberta Clipper, the all-star team from our western neighbours used speed to come away with a convincing 81-31 win in the 2023 Border Bowl in Aberdeen on Saturday, June 10.
A large crowd filled the sidelines to watch the top graduating six-aside football players from Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Aberdeen’s Trevor Regush created some excitement for the hometown crowd, returning the opening kickoff past mid-field.
Team Alberta was able to force a turnover on downs. They quickly took advantage with quarterback Juven St. Hilaire from the Millwoods Christian Royals in Edmonton breaking free around the end and sprinting for a 67 yard touchdown run.
Hinton’s Talis Clark hauled in a touchdown pass to increase their lead.
Team Saskatchewan had a great response. Aberdeen’s Ty Holmes chewed up turf on two catch and runs to set up Saskatchewan inside the five yard line, allowing Hayden McMahon (Biggar) to score on a quarterback plunge.
Alberta added to their lead with a 20 yard quarterback run and a long touchdown pass.
Aberdeen’s Trevor Regush scored on a 2 yard end around in the final minute of the first half to draw the home team closer.
Unfortunately Hanna’s Spencer McMillan scored on a 49 yard catch and run with seconds left to give the visitors a 37-17 halftime lead.
The teams exchanged scores throughout the third. Vegreville’s Aaron Mills scored on a long touchdown run. Birch Hills’ Levi Hare hauled in a 12 yard touchdown pass. Hilaire turned a third down gamble into a long touchdown run. Aberdeen’s Ty Holmes scored on a 42 yard catch and run. Millwoods’ Carter Harrod scored on a one yard touchdown catch.
Alberta sealed the deal in the fourth with three more touchdowns.
Running back Aaron Mills of the Vegreville Cougars was pleased with his team’s effort.
“We practiced for four hours at Millwood yesterday and then drove down here today,” said Mills. “We left everything on that field.”
Team Saskatchewan players were from Biggar, Carrot River, Watrous, Raymore, Big River,Kindersley, Caronport and Unity. Players from our region included: Hague Panthers Ryder Bergan; Wakaw Warriors Trevor Regush, Jordan Trischuk-Hounjet, Ryder Chicoine, Ty Holmes, Michael Burechailo; Rosthern Longhorns Soe Ner Da Saw, Jack Hrycuik; Hafford Vikings Daylon Lafreniere and Carter Burton.
The game was used by both provinces to make the final Team Canada selections for the CanAm Bowl XXV against the top graduating all-stars from U.S.A.in Hanna, Alberta on July 8.
Saskatchewan players selected include: Ty Holmes (Wakaw), Jordan Trischuk-Hounjet (Wakaw), Levi Hare (Birch Hills), Michael Burechailo (Wakaw), Trevor Regush (Wakaw), Hayden McMahon (Biggar), Connor Flahr (Raymore), Kade Thomas (Watrous), Daylon Lafreniere (Hafford), Ryder Bergen (Hague), Ryan Gray (Carrot River), Carter Burton (Hafford) and Kade Friesen (Big River).