The Brandon Westman Wild senior men's football team had a little Yorkton flavour added to it for a game against the East Side Eagles of Winnipeg recently.
Some Yorktonites hooked up with this team and have driven into Brandon for games and practices and also driven to Winnipeg for games.
Part of the Canadian Senior Football League (CSFL), the Wild, with new additions consisting of Trent Holland, Colin Neibergall, Casey Pfeifer, Colin Mantyak, Roidyn Chupa, Jason Boyda, Carter Kostenuk and Darcy Zaharia played the CSFL Central Division title game Sept. 26 in Winnipeg.
"Things didn't get off to a good start this past Sunday (Sept 26) in Winnipeg versus the East Side Eagles as our opening kick return was fumbled and the Eagles scored a quick touchdown not even a minute into the game," explains Zaharia.
They followed that up with a quick turnover and another major score very early in the game. Things didn't get much better after that.
"Our quarterback (Brandon's) Adam Kerkowich got hurt in the second quarter forcing backup QB (Thomas Weber) into the action and did a very admirable job."
Weber did throw for two touchdowns which narrowed the margin to 28-14 and Brandon outplayed them (East Side Eagles) much tougher in the second half. Casey Pfeifer had a huge game on defence with multiple gang and solo tackles as well as an interception in that second half. Brandon eventually ended up losing the game 42-14 but Zaharia said it was more about having some fun again playing.
"Even though we lost - our guys had a ton of fun on Sunday. A couple of injuries put a damper on the mood but to get together again with the guys and play some contact football, I wouldn't give that up for anything."
He said that plans are already in the works for a matchup again next year. There is talk that a game or two will be hosted in Yorkton for the 2011 school year, he said.
The players are also looking for more players to come out and join the Brandon team for next year's game. Zaharia said the more people the better.
"It would be nice to get it out there so if more people are interested in playing next year then they could contact me." The team is called the Brandon Westman Wild. This league is for all ages (19+). There are three Winnipeg teams and one team from Brandon."
