Bond has strong football bonds at Bedford Road

Grade 12 athlete excels in multiple roles with Redhawks

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Parker Bond calls out signals from his middle linebacker position.

Parker Bond is finding out time really does fly when you are having fun.

The 17-year-old Grade 12 student is playing out his final campaign with the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks Football Team and has been a starter on the squad since his Grade 10 year. As the high school football season ventures into its final weeks, Bond said it didn’t seem that long ago when he started to suit up for the Bedford Road side.

“It feels like just yesterday I was getting ready for my first spring camp back in Grade 9,” said Bond. “It is weird now to be the oldest on the team and to be out there as one of the main leaders of the team.

“It is awesome. I’ve had a good senior season so far.”

Bond has been playing the sport for a lengthy stretch. At age six he started playing flag football out in Martensville after his mom got him registered with the program there. The Martensville teams participate in the leagues overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football.

As soon as Bond could start playing tackle football, he joined the Martenville squads that play out of the Kinsmen Football League. He remained in the KFL until he was able to join the Redhawks.

Bond has done his whole football journey while living out in Langham with his family helping him commute into Martensville and Saskatoon over the years.

Those past experiences have been valuable to Bond with the Redhawks. His natural position is at middle linebacker on defence.

In 2025, Bond has also played on every special teams unit, and at fullback, running back and receiver on offence. He also had to take on the role of starting quarterback, when Redhawks starter Gabriel Goyer went down with an injury.

Parker Bond (#44) makes lots of tackles as the Redhawks MLB.

Though his Grade 12 season, Bond is soaking in and enjoying every aspect of his final campaign with the Redhawks.

“I’ve been playing for a while,” said Bond. “This year is probably so far one of the most fun years of football I’ve had just playing and having fun and everything.”

Bond’s presence on the team has been big for Redhawks head coach Dylan Andreychuk. With the Redhawks program, Andreychuk usually ends up coaching a sizable number of players who are gaining their first experience with the sport. The sideline boss said that having players like Bond on the team who have had previous experience with the sport are a huge help.

“Coaching at Bedford Road, it is a grind sometimes,” said Andreychuk. “We’ve got to do a lot of like square one teaching.

“But a kid like Parker, he has right from day one in Grade 10 he joined us and he already had experience playing minor football. It is just a nice luxury for us at our school to have a guy with some knowledge of the game and experience to bring into the team as a youngster. To have him three years as a starter, it is just huge for us from a leadership standpoint and being able to mentor and lead some of the other players on our team.

“Just in his progression as a player and as a leader and all the work that he puts in during the off-season, he is just a great role model for the rest of the guys on the team.”

Both on and off the field, Andreychuk said Bond has been and continues to be a respectful young man, and he is a great student in the classroom.

“Everything that we hear from his teachers and everybody else in the building is very positive,” said Andreychuk. “We’re just very proud to have him as part of our team.

Due to injuries, Parker Bond took on the role of Redhawks starting QB.

“He is a leader on our football team, but also in the hallways and doing all the good things that we like to hear.”

Right from his start in the sport up to and including the current day, Bond enjoys the emotions and atmosphere of being out on the field with his teammates.

“I just love getting out there and getting hyped up with the teammates a lot and making big plays and getting tackles and getting turnovers,” said Bond. “Defence is always my favourite.”

Since Grade 8, Bond has also been playing with Saskatoon Minor Football’s North Sask Academy program in the spring. During his Grade 11 school year, Bond enrolled in the Institute of Saskatchewan Football for the inaugural year the program was operated by Saskatoon Minor Football. Bond said those experiences have been valuable in his journey through the sport.

“They’ve helped me so much,” said Bond. “I’ve played football year-round almost for the past few years.

“To get coaching from a bunch of different people for a bunch of different things, it is always really good, and I’ve had some really good coaches in the past few years that have really helped me get better.”

Bond said playing for the Redhawks has been one of the great joys he has had in the sport. He has enjoyed being on the field all of the time playing multiple roles.

Along with that, Bond has had a blast with his teammate over the years. He said some of his most special memories come from seeing all the school’s teachers and students turnout big with lots of school spirit during the team’s Welcome Week game. The team has a tradition of making the walk from Bedford Road Collegiate to Saskatoon Minor Football Field for that contest in a jaunt that is dubbed “The Red Mile.”

“It has been a lot of fun,” said Bond. “I got to start in Grade 10, and all since then, it felt like the team has really been behind me and rallying behind me.

Parker Bond has displayed great versatility with the Redhawks.

“I’ve been able to be a good leader on the team, and I’ve been able to develop a lot of leadership skills and football skills in the time I’ve been here. It is a really good experience.”

Bond has been thankful for all the coaches he has had over the years, but he credits one defensive coach for being his biggest influence in helping him out on that side of the ball and overall loving the game.

“I’ve had a lot of really good coaches throughout the years,” said Bond. “Probably the best coach I feel like I’ve had was when I was in Grade 8 through Grade 11 in Devon Gilkinson.

“He was my D-coordinator for a few teams that I played for in academy, and he was at Bedford Road for a couple of years, and he really helped me develop.”

While Bond’s high school football days are in their final weeks, Andreychuk believes his young star can have a longer future in the game due to his yes-coach attitude and his versatility.

“I think just because of his attitude and how he immerses himself in the game and the way he approaches practice and film study and nutrition, all the other things that it takes to get that edge and to make it at the next level, he is already doing,” said Andreychuk. “He has got those good habits.

“I’m very confident that he could find a football team that he can contribute to after high school.”

Bond said if all his football dreams could come true he would like to play in the CFL and NFL one day. With that noted, those are the dream goals.

For the moment, Bond would like to find a place to play next season in the CJFL or the U Sports ranks so he could continue to enjoy playing and being part of the sport of football.

Parker Bond (#44) aims to enjoy his final weeks with the Redhawks.

“That is the goal,” said Bond. “I think I can do it.

“I’ve been told I can do it. I’ll just go wherever I feel like I’m wanted. I’m going to be getting my film out there and sending some messages around throughout the season.

“Hopefully, I’ll get a spot somewhere, hopefully close to home.”

To see the 2025 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.

All-time classic contest featured in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Aulain Penner (#26) and Samuel LaFreniere (#22) shake hands.

Saskatoon Minor Football Field might have seen one of its greatest “Friday Night Lights” games ever.

When people remember the 2024 high school football season in Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate’s 6A City Championship game will go down as the most memorable moment of the campaign. That contest was played on the night of Friday, November 1.

It featured the St. Joseph High School Guardians taking on the Holy Cross High School Crusaders. The squads featured the two most exciting high school players in the city in running back Samuel LaFreniere of the Guardians and tailback Aulain Penner of the Crusaders.

The two sides engaged in two regular season meetings with Holy Cross taking both those encounters. The Crusaders claimed a 29-28 victory on October 4 and 48-35 triumph on October 17.

Aulain Penner cuts into an open lane for the Crusaders.

In the November 1 clash for the city title, LaFreniere scored the winning touchdown with 3:54 remaining in the fourth quarter to ultimately give the Guardians a 38-34 victory. The Crusaders mounted one last long final drive to go back ahead, but they ultimately turned the ball over on downs with less than 40 seconds to play.

LaFreniere and Penner were heroic in the city final. LaFreniere ran the ball 25 times for 305 yards and four touchdowns. Penner carried the ball 29 times for 305 yards and three major scores to go with one pass reception for eight yards.

Our lead photo of this photo roundup shows the two warriors shaking hands and having a quick visit following the city title contest. Penner is in the centre left and LaFreniere is centre right.

The second photo sees Penner breaking downfield for one of his long gains on that November 1 night. The third photo shows LaFreniere taking off on one of his long jaunts from that game.

Samuel LaFreniere jets downfield for the Guardians.

Along with photos from the championship encounter between the Guardians and Crusaders, we have more pictures from high school football and photos from the CJFL’s PFC final between the Saskatoon Hilltops and Regina Thunder. 

We also have baseball and softball training session pics from the Indoor Training Centre.

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. 

In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 15 shots we hope you enjoy.

Up and away

Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls running back Lucas Dean jumps through the arms of a couple of Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks players on October 10 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Souls held a 32-24 lead in the second half and closed the contest on a 19-point surge for a 51-24 victory.

Ready and waiting

The Track and Field Track that sits next to the K+S Potash Canada Multi-Sports Centre is set up with speed skating tiles placed on top of the track surface to create the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on October 17. A big thank you goes out to Saskatoon Urban Camp for helping set up the tiles. Flooding will occur to create the Oval whenever temperatures fall enough to allow for flooding.

Fun entrance

Saskatoon Hilltops mascot Topper found a new way to take the turf at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on October 20. Topper took the field riding on the back of an ATV before the start of the PFC final between the Hilltops and Regina Thunder. The Thunder would claim the contest 24-19.

MVP set to sling

Saskatoon Hilltops quarterback Trey Reider (#3) sets to fire a pass behind the protection of left tackle Davin Johnson in the CJFL’s PFC final on October 20 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. For the 2024 CJFL season, Reider was named the most valuable player, the offensive player of the year and most outstanding quarterback for the PFC. He also claimed honours as a PFC all-star and a first team CJFL all-Canadian all-star. The Hilltops fell in the PFC final 24-19. Reider completed 23-of-41 passes for 305 yards and one touchdown, while throwing one interception for the Hilltops. He ran the ball nine times for 102 yards in his final CJFL contest.

Off and running

Running back Sadik Sadik charges downfield for the Regina Thunder during the PFC final on October 20 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Sadik, who was playing out his final season of CJFL eligibility, played a big role in helping the Thunder post a 24-19 victory over the Saskatoon Hilltops. He carried the ball 28 times for 178 yards and two touchdowns. The Thunder piled up 321 yards rushing as a team.

Repetitions make perfect

A player makes a throw taking part in an infield drill during a Going Yard Baseball Academy training session on October 22 at the Indoor Training Centre. The instructors at Going Yard ensure players get lots of repetitions in drills so players perform skills like it is second nature during games.

Tracking down a fly ball

A player settles under a fly ball during a Going Yard Baseball Academy training session on October 22 at the Indoor Training Centre. Going Yard has been a mainstay at the Complex since March 1, 2019, and the players and instructors have enjoyed being able to do outfield drills during the winter months due to the high ceiling at the facility.

Saints reclaim SSSAD 5A title

The Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints celebrate reclaiming the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate’s 5A City Football Championship on October 25 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Saints downed Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears 42-6 in the city title game. The Saints last won the 5A championship in 2022, while Aden Bowman claimed the 5A crown in 2023.

Big catch in traffic

A Knoll Panthers receiver makes a catch against a pair of Schoenals Titans defenders during a KFL Hilltops Division semifinal contest on October 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Titans would prevail in this contest and ultimately win the championship for the Hilltops Division.

Celebrating good times

A receiver with the Schoenals Titans celebrates a touchdown with his teammates rushing to meet him in the end zone on October 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Titans would prevail in this KFL Hilltops Division semifinal contest and ultimately win the championship for the Hilltops Division.

Escaping to the open field

A Mercury receiver slips past a Sparks defender during Toon Squad Female Flag Football League action on October 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The players on circuit, which is run by Saskatoon Minor Football, play the game at a very high level and make lots of exciting and athletic plays.

Mystics take Toon Squad title

The players and coaches of the Mystics are all smiles as they pose for the customary team picture after winning the championship of the Toon Squad Female Flag Football League on October 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Mystics edged out the Sparks 13-7 in the circuit’s title game.

Guardians bask in epic title win

The St. Joseph High School Guardians bask in their epic 38-34 victory over the Holy Cross High School Crusaders in the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate’s 6A City Football Championship game on November 1. The Guardians had a moment under the “Friday Night Lights” of Saskatoon Minor Football Field they will remember forever.

Working for that sweet swing

A player from the Saskatoon Selects program works on her swing during a practice session at the Indoor Training Centre on November 6. The Selects players find it is never too early to work on skills in the off-season and just enjoy being in the game of fast pitch softball.

Beating the throw for the double

The Saskatoon Selects concluded their training session on November 6 at the Indoor Training Centre with a simulated game. A base runner here beats out a throw from the outfield sliding into second base for a double.

LaFreniere turning heads with Guardians

Grade 11 running back piling up big outings

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Samuel LaFreniere jets downfield for the Guardians.

Samuel LaFreniere’s love for the game of football took off with an early awestruck moment.

The Grade 11 running back with the St. Joseph High School Guardians had simple beginnings in the sport, which saw him get a chance to step on the turf of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders storied former home in Taylor Field. The park was also known as old Mosaic Stadium.

“I started playing flag football since I was like six-years-old,” said LaFreniere. “We went down, and we got invited down to the Mosaic Stadium when we were like seven, which was pretty cool.

“We didn’t do very good, but there were a lot of good teams there.”

As a youngster, LaFreniere remembers it was big for him to play on the same field as the Roughriders. He recalls soaking in every moment he was on the field.

“It was crazy just being in there with all the stands compared from the stands here going into a stadium,” said LaFreniere. “You look around, and you just say, ‘Oh my God, I want to play here someday.’”

From those first memories, LaFreniere, who also competes in track and field, continued in football playing KFL for Clavet. He then attended Centennial Collegiate in Grade 9 before transferring over to St. Joseph in Grade 10. The football field is the place that keeps growing as a second home.

“I love the contact and going around and smacking some helmets, and the atmosphere under the lights and being around your friends on a football field,” said LaFreniere, who has taken part in his share of games at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. “There is nothing better.”

In 2024, LaFreniere is having a banner year. He made numerous big plays suiting up for Team Green in the league run by the Saskatoon Minor Football’s North Sask Academy program in spring. He then played for Football Saskatchewan’s under-17 team before hitting the turf for his second season with the Guardians.

Samuel LaFreniere made big plays with Team Green.

LaFreniere joined the Guardians last season, because he thought they would be a better fit for him. This season, he has emerged as one of the top playmakers in high school football in Saskatoon.

“I thought I could come in and make a difference and help them out,” said LaFreniere, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 155 pounds. “The coaches said that I would be a good help to them.”

Guardians head coach Chad Palmer said his staff has enjoyed having LaFreniere on the team. The sideline boss said the 16-year-old player is gifted when it comes to playing the game.

“Anytime a guy can come in Grade 10 and play, you know that is a special player,” said Palmer. “He (LaFreniere) has advanced this year.

“If you look at the stats, he is carrying what we’re doing on offence and putting up huge numbers. Guys like that for as long as I’ve coached don’t come around that often. It is special to have a guy like that.”

Off the field, Palmer said LaFreniere is very personable.

“Sam (LaFreniere) is a great guy,” said Palmer. “All of my guys are great guys.

“I have no issues with any guys off the field. Sam likes to talk about fantasy football and joke around. He also refs KFL and refs NFL flag.

“He is a football guy.”

Samuel LaFreniere has had monster games for the Guardians.

LaFreniere said his parents in father, Troy, and mother, Kim, have been two of the biggest influences who have helped him out in the sport.

“They’re always there helping out,” said LaFreniere. “They’re always there for me, which is amazing, and always supporting me.”

He added his older brother and various teammates he has had over the years have also played a key role in keeping him in the sport.

“Lots of my friends that I’ve grown up with playing, they’re always there helping you out on the sidelines always being there for you,” said LaFreniere.

When it comes to carrying the football, LaFreniere makes it a point to focus on running inside, which he believes will help him the long he is in the game. He adds he has seen his share of running backs just try to rely on breaking everything to the outside.

“The vision of it is you’re always pressing inside and waiting for it and being patient behind your O-line and trusting that they’re going to open up a hole for you,” said LaFreniere. “If it doesn’t happen, then you just always have the outside to burst to.”

During his time with the Guardians, LaFreniere said he looks forward to rivalry games against the Holy Cross High School Crusaders. A large contingent of fans from both schools make it out to SMF Field when the Guardians and Crusaders collide.

On October 4, the two squads engaged in an epic encounter at SMF Field that saw the Crusaders edge the Guardians 29-28. LaFreniere had over 290 yards rushing in that contest, while Crusaders star Grade 12 running back Aulain Penner recorded over 220 yards along the ground.

“It is always like you walk on the field, and you’re eyeing each other up,” said LaFreniere. “You’re always looking at each other.

Samuel LaFreniere enjoys rivalry games against Holy Cross.

“Guys are always competing. You are always looking at the other team and sizing them up a tiny bit. The competitiveness is always there.

“It is always a great game to come out and watch and have fun.”

Looking to the future when his high school days are done, LaFreniere said he leans towards playing post-secondary football outside of Saskatoon.

“I’d like to move away,” said LaFreniere. “I’d like to go somewhere big.

“Going D1 (NCAA Division I) would be amazing. Going over there to the (United) States would be great. UBC would be amazing.

“I would love to stay. If I got an offer to U of S, absolutely, I’d love it. I’d like to go see some other places and move around a tiny bit.”

At the moment, LaFreniere is focused on making great memories playing for the Guardians and that he still has a Grade 12 campaign to suit up for. He cherishes the memories and the days he gets to play at St. Joseph High School.

“I think they’re great,” said LaFreniere. “The boys that you’re always around, the friends.

“Under the lights and the great atmosphere that you’re always with, it is amazing. The coaches are always there for you, always backing you up and always having your back. All the guys with you, it is so much fun.”

Palmer is also pumped to have LaFreniere for one more season and to see what else the skilled tailback can do for the rest of his high school playing days.

Samuel LaFreniere, left, aims to contunue to power past defenders.

“It is pretty awesome,” said Palmer. “We definitely think about that all the time, but we’re focused on this year.

“It is definitely a luxury to have a guy like this for three years.”

To see the 2024 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.

Crusaders’ Penner aims to make final high school magic

Running back one of Saskatoon’s most exciting players

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Aulain Penner drives downfield in the 2023 SHSAA 6A final.

In recent years and the current day, Aulain Penner is the show stopper at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Every time the running back from Saskatoon’s Holy Cross High School Crusaders gets his hands on the football, the potential for something special to happen is there. When he is handed the ball out of the backfield, he can juke, jive, spin and burst in the mold of Barry Sanders.

When he catches the ball out of the backfield, he can take the reception all the way like Marshall Faulk. On kick off, punt and missed field goal returns, Penner can make crazy happen like Henry “Gizmo” Williams in ducking big guys and high hurdling small guys.

In the spring and summer, he continued to do all those things playing in Saskatoon Minor Football’s North Sask Academy program.

Now, the Grade 12 student, who will turn 17-years-old in early October, is playing out his final season with the Crusaders. He is looking to make the most in creating a last batch of memories with the team.

“It is pretty crazy,” said Penner. “Even though I’ve played two years of senior before this, it goes really fast.

“Once football season is over, it is just like, you know, it is hard. It is always like, ‘Oh. I have next season.’ But this year, this is my last season, so you’ve got to make it count.

“It’s weird realizing that this is my last time ever with these guys playing on this field for Holy Cross.”

Penner started playing organized football in Grade 2 first in SMF’s flag football system due to his cousin’s father being a flag football coach. He had been playing hockey, but football started to take over as the sporting love that resulted in Penner playing in SMF’s various programs.

“I played all of SMF five-a-side flag football,” said Penner. “Then, Grade 6 came around, and I played six-a-side (tackle football).

Aulain Penner (#26) breaks out a tackle attempt by a defender.

“Dave Blackburn, he’s a legendary coach, you know, legendary player. Then, I started playing KFL (Kinsmen Football League) and was pretty good at it. I decided football is for me, and then I started playing, you know, tackle.”

Penner enjoyed playing six-a-side for Blackburn, who was a star receiver for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team from 1990 to 1994. Blackburn helped the Huskies win the Vanier Cup in 1990 and fall in an overtime heartbreaker in the 1994 Vanier Cup. He would be a receivers coach on the Huskies 1996 and 1998 Vanier Cup winners.

On top of having good mentors along the way, Penner’s finds his biggest joys in the game come from simple moments.

“I like scoring touchdowns I’m not going to lie,” said Penner. “I like running fast, and I like scoring touchdowns.

“I like beating other people.”

Penner’s abilities have impressed former CFL player Tom Schnitzler, who joined the Crusaders coaching staff last season as their offensive coordinator. Schnitzler took on the team’s head coach role this season after Scott Hundseth retired from teaching. Schnitzler, who helped the Saskatoon Hilltops win CJFL titles in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, has enjoyed the short time he has coached Penner.

“It has been obviously a very big help to our team,” said Schnitzler. “He (Penner) is a tremendous athlete and a really good kid too.

“He is a more quiet, softer demeanour guy, but on the field he turns it up and obviously is a special athlete. He is very fast, very strong and explosive. We’re going to lean on him a bit this year for sure.”

Schnitzler said Penner’s most notable strength is his speed.

“He is a sprinter,” said Schnitzler. “He is a provincial level sprinter on our track team.

Aulain Penner has made numerous big plays for the Crusaders.

“Obviously, you see him in the weight room, and he is very strong too. He is twitchy, he cuts really fast, and he keeps his speed coming out of his cuts, which I think that is what gives him a lot of separation and explosiveness.”

Over the years, Penner has worked on becoming a more physical player, and he believes he has improved a lot in that department

“I’ve always been like a faster guy on the field, so I always felt going outside was better,” said Penner, who stands 5-foot-9. “Now, I’ve gotten bigger.

“I’m around 190 pounds now, so I can go in A-gap. I can like put the shoulder down and break out of tackles. That’s probably where I progressed the most.”

Penner said in KFL he was able to rely on his athletic ability to make plays, but at the high school level, he has to play smarter as well as being more physical. The skilled ball carrier said you had to focus more on running plays like the coaches laid out in order to have success.

“Guys are bigger,” said Penner.“Guys are faster.

“They know how to tackle better and cover better. They’re smarter on the field, and they’re just smarter people. You can’t just go outside every time.

“You’ve got to follow your blocks and actually use it.”

Penner believes he has become a better player and person playing for the Crusaders. With the storied history the Crusaders have, he said you get motivated to help carry on the team’s legacy and live up to a standard.

The dynamic player said he focuses on acting right and playing respectfully. He said the Crusaders players have fun, but they make sure to carry themselves with class.

In last season’s Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 6A provincial championship game played at SMF Field on November 11, 2023, Penner learned how to deal with some adversity. Locked in a 10-10 tie with Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders, a handoff between then Crusaders quarterback Elias Flory and Penner was mishandled when Holy Cross was pinned on its one yard-line.

Aulain Penner is playing his final high school football season in 2024.

Penner dived on the loose ball in the end zone and was downed there for a safety with 32.5 seconds remaining in the contest. That safety gave the Marauders a 12-10 victory.

The Holy Cross star is aware of Saskatoon’s provincial football title curse at the 6A level. The last Saskatoon school to win the 6A provincial title was the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears back in 2009, when the 6A level was known as 4A. The levels of high school football were reclassified in Saskatchewan following the 2018-19 school year.

Holy Cross’s last provincial title win in football came back in 1995. The Crusaders have lost all 10 of their provincial championship game appearances since their last title triumph.

“I really want to win it this year,” said Penner. “Last year was more like I felt bad for the seniors.

“I want to win it this year not as much for me, but for the seniors last year and just for Saskatoon in general. We haven’t won it in like 15 years, especially Holy Cross. You know, I’m not even just doing it for me or this school.

“I’m doing it for like all the Saskatoon schools showing that we can run provincial football down here too.”

Schnitzler said in the situation of the botched handoff you console the players, persevere, move on and remember you win as a team and lose as a team. The sideline boss said the Crusaders coaches were proud of Penner and their players on the team. Looking beyond this season, Schnitzler believes Penner can have a long future in the sport.

“You know what, for him, I think it is how far he wants to take it and commit to it,” said Schnitzler. “I think he is a hard-working kid, hard-working athlete.

“If he keeps working hard, the only thing that can hold him back is himself. I think he is on the right track, and I definitely do see him playing post-secondary football at some point.”

Penner said the offers to play football at the post-secondary level are coming in, but he hasn’t made any commitments on where he will go. He aspires to play at the professional level.

At the moment, he doesn’t want to miss out cherishing his final campaign playing for the Crusaders. Overall, his best memories come from being with his teammates.

Aulain Penner (#26) handles reaching the end zone with grace.

“Definitely, the bus rides to and from games, especially after games,” said Penner. “It was really fun talking with the team in the locker room after a win.

“That has got to be the best time and practices. Practices, they’re hard work, but they’re fun. It is fun being with the guys.”

To see the 2024 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.

Bears’ Grabowski brings throwback approach to football

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Mason Grabowski motors downfield for the Bears.

When you ask Mason Grabowski about what his strengths are as a football player, he sounds like a throwback to an era when George Reed, Jim Brown and Mike Ditka rumbled down the field.

“I’m strong, physical, fast and I like to like punish people,” said Grabowski.

The Grade 12 running back, receiver and punter for the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears Football Team has developed into one of the province’s best high school players. He helped Saskatchewan reach the gold medal game of the Football Canada Cup held this past July in Edmonton, Alta.

The gold medal game between Saskatchewan and Quebec was ultimately not played due to air quality concerns caused by the smoke from forest fires from B.C. and Alberta. On August 4, Football Canada declared Saskatchewan and Quebec would receive gold medals as co-champions of the event.

With all that noted, Grabowski’s words of sounding like a physical throwback are backed up by his Bears head coach in Justin Loshack.

“He (Grabowski) is a warrior,” said Loshack. “He has been playing through some injuries too.

“He is just honestly getting better every week and healthier every week. He just brings a physical dimension to our game that you don’t see very often in high school.”

The 17-year-old Grabowski said he has loved the game for pretty much as long as he can remember. The love for the sport was passed down through his family.

“On my dad’s side of the family, they’re just like big football fans,” said Grabowski, who stands 6-feet and weighs 190 pounds. “My dad played.

Mason Grabowski makes an acrobatic catch for the Bears.

“We’re all big (Saskatchewan) Roughriders fans. It is all what I grew up with. I started playing since when I was young and just kept with it.”

Grabowski started out playing flag football under programs offered by Saskatoon Minor Football and progressed to suiting up to play tackle in the Kinsmen Football League making him a frequent visitor to Saskatoon Minor Football Field. He said his father, Trevor, who played for the 1986 CJFL champion Regina Rams, was his biggest influence in helping him out in the sport. The Rams joined the U Sports ranks in 1999.

“He (Trevor) has just been around the game,” said Grabowski. “He can help me.

“He tells me what to do better.”

Going into Grade 9 in 2020, Grabowski didn’t get to participate in any type of high school football game action as the SSSAD didn’t hold any competitions during the 2020-21 school year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that had gripped the world. Shutdowns and restrictions were in place in various areas of life at that point in time.

Full high school football action returned to the province in 2021, and Grabowski found himself on the Bears senior team playing safety, receiver and a little bit of running back. He discovered playing at the high school level was a bit of an adjustment, but elected to rely on playing the game how he knew best.

“Coming into Grade 10, everyone was so big,” said Grabowski. “I’ve been physical all my life and just fast, and I let my physical play be just how I play.”

Loshack said Grabowski has been outstanding on and off the field during the years he has played for the Bears. The sideline boss has noticed his young star player has taken more of a leadership role as a Grade 12 senior.

“He (Grabowski) has always been good,” said Loshack. “His play on the field has never changed.

Mason Grabowski (#11) enjoys the physical part of football.

“He played in Grade 10 and played in Grade 11 and again this year. His leadership this year, you can tell as a Grade 12 he has grown into that for sure right from the start of the year. His leading by example has been huge for us.”

Loshack said Grabowski has benefitted from playing in SMF’s North Sask Academy League in the spring and with Football Saskatchewan’s provincial team program in the summer.

“I think it has helped for sure,” said Loshack. “Football is becoming the next hockey kind of thing.

“There is opportunity to play a whole lot more, and it has helped players for sure. I would say for Mason (Grabowski) this year the challenging thing has been the way he plays. His body takes a beating.

“We’ve been trying to manage some of those things too. I think he is getting healthier and healthier. The way he plays he’s always going to give it all that he has, and he takes some beatings because of that for sure.”

Looking back at this past summer, Grabowski said he was disappointed the gold medal game of the Football Canada Cup was called off. He believes his Saskatchewan side would have beaten Quebec in the title game.

So far during his final high school season, Grabowski has helped the Bears start 5-0. He said he doing everything he can to help the Bears win a provincial title.

“That has been our goal all year,” said Grabowski. “It has been our goal since Grade 10.

“Every game that I’m playing, I just want to leave everything I have out on the field.”

When it comes to playing at the post-secondary level, Grabowski said he has been talking to some Canadian universities, but he hasn’t made any commitments about where he might potentially play.

Loshack believes Grabowski could have a lengthy playing career in the future that extends to the professional level.

Mason Grabowski battles his way through a pack of defenders.

“At the next level, I see him to continue the way he did in high school which is to make a team impact right away and work his way into a dominant player at the next level,” said Loshack. “To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if five years or six years from now you see him two levels beyond high school.”

Grabowski isn’t looking that far ahead and is focused on doing the best in the season he is playing in right now for the Bears. With that noted, he is pleased to know he will have the chance to continue playing the sport beyond high school.

“It is good knowing I’m going to keep growing as a football player and just keep playing at the next level,” said Grabowski.“I just want to keep playing and keep balling out and keep winning.”

Fall feeling provides fun sweet happenings in photos

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

A Guardians receiver looks to get past a Crusaders tackler.

The fall sports season is in full sprint.

During the fall, Saskatoon Minor Football Field often becomes the focal point of action on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. Great lifelong memories are made from the many high school and KFL games that take place at SMF Field along with other programs run by Saskatoon Minor Football.

Our lead photo comes from a couple of days ago on October 7 at a “Friday Night Lights” game played between the St. Joseph High School Guardians and the Holy Cross High School Crusaders. The picture shows the intensity of the game as a Guardians receiver looks to get past a Crusaders tackler. St. Joseph High School ultimate took the entertaining encounter 28-16 overseen by the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate.

Spectators flocked to the high school football contests in large numbers, especially during Welcome Week games played on September 15 and 16. The students that have come out to support their teams created a festive and fun atmosphere.

On top of the action at SMF Field, the softball and baseball diamonds see their last usage along with the Track and Field Track before winter approaches. All of those facilities saw various user groups take part in various training sessions. The softball diamonds also hosted fall league and college season contests.

The activity that happens on our grounds continues to provide great material for our continuing photo roundups.

These photos capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 12 shots we hope you enjoy.

Big outfield arm

An outfielder from the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball team slings the ball back into the infield during a Western Collegiate Softball Association game at Joe Gallagher Field on September 10. In this contest, the U of S downed the University of Regina Cougars 4-2.

Hilltops End Zone Dinner remains a hit

The Saskatoon Hilltops had a sizable turnout for their End Zone Dinner held at the main banquet hall at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building on September 10. The Hilltops use the annual dinner to raise money for their scholarship fund.

Roughriders alumnus Hughes holds court

Saskatchewan Roughriders alumnus Neal Hughes was the guest speaker for the Saskatoon Hilltops annual End Zone Dinner, which was held on September 10 in the main banquet hall at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building. The retired fullback, who won Grey Cup titles with the Roughriders in 2007 and 2013, told various entertaining stories about his time with the team and playing the game.

Sawi checks in with sensational play

It is always a great sight when Charles Sawi checks in with a big play from Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The 17-year-old might have had the best run back of his young career on September 10, when he weaved his way 125 yards down the field returning a missed field goal for a touchdown against the Regina Thunder. The Thunder ultimately prevailed in the CJFL regular season contest 29-21 in overtime.

Guardians meet their fans on Welcome Week

Members of St. Joseph High School Guardians Football Team make a lasting Welcome Week photo on September 15 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field getting pictured with a contingent of their fans. There were lots of smiles to be had as the Guardians just romped past the Centennial Collegiate Chargers 44-0 that night.

KFL cut to daylight

A ball carrier from the Falcons cuts past a tackler from the Warriors in KFL action from the Hilltops Division on September 18 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The KFL does great work in helping young players develop the fundamentals of football.

Focused out at first

A young player maintains sharp focus watching the ball into her glove during a Saskatoon Minor Softball League fall league game on September 18 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The fall ball programs run by SMSL allows young players the additional opportunity to develop skills once their spring and summer season is complete.

Putting in the work to get stronger

A member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Men’s Track and Field Team pulls a weighted sled during a practice session on September 20 at the Track and Field Track. The Huskies did various drills to get stronger and faster.

Redhawks running back takes flight

This Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks running back was in the zone making numerous big plays against the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs on September 29 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Redhawks took that installment of the Rusholme Road Rivalry 47-0.

Making the snag at shortstop look easy

A shortstop snags a hot groundball going through the infield at Cairns Field during a Going Yard Training Centre practice session on October 3. Going Yard is getting in their final outdoor sessions before moving their practices to the Indoor Training Centre.

Setting up to create the Oval

The speed skating tiles sit laid out on top of the track and field track in anticipation for the time the snow falls and it gets cold enough to create the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. The K+S Potash Canada Multisport Centre sits in the background overlooking the scene.

Insurance TD by the Guardians

Before the winter snow arrives, there is still more football to be played. A St. Joseph High School Guardians receiver goes in for a key late fourth quarter insurance touchdown against the Holy Cross High School Crusaders in a “Friday Night Lights” game played on October 7. That major gave the Guardians a 28-16 lead, which ultimately ended up being the final score of the contest.