It was the first time that the Viterra Senior Bowl had ever left Regina and Saskatoon, bringing the province鈥檚 best players in six-man and 12-man football to Century Field to play in front of Yorkton crowds.
The day opened with the six-man game, which was a close contest between south and north, before the northern team finally pulled away. The final score was 55-32 for the northern team after a high scoring final half.
The 12-man game was much more of a lopsided affair, with the south team dominating play for the majority of the game. The final score was 51-7 for the south team.
That team had some familiar faces for the Yorkton crowds. Jason Boyda and Ryan Effa were the coaches, while Matthew Mandziuk, Matthew Balysky, Zack Fleury, and Usine Langford were on the field.聽
This was Mandziuk鈥檚 last game in his high school helmet, and he embraced having the chance to be on the field, showing off for friends and family on his home town field.
Mandziuk also made his final touchdown wearing an orange helmet during the game.聽
鈥淚t feels good, especially on my last time on my home field here. Overall, the offense played well, overall we were a great team, and it was one good last ride for us.鈥�
As for the team鈥檚 success, Mandziuk saw it coming. The team was a skilled one, both on offense and defense, and Mandziuk expected they were going to do well.
鈥淲e knew we were going to come out and put on a show... We just thought that we were better than the North and it showed on the field today.鈥�
The chance to play at home again meant a lot to Mandziuk, since he had to skip the last game of the provincial championship due to a dislocated shoulder.
Coach Jason Boyda was impressed by how his team played over the game, describing them as coming out firing from the first kickoff. He was impressed by the passion displayed by his players in the game.
Bringing the Yorkton players back for the game was a chance for redemption for Boyda and the Yorkton players, since it meant that they could end the season with a triumph.
鈥淭he last time we were on the field together, unfortunately we lost the provincial championship 14-7. So for us to have another ride at a championship game together with my Yorkton boys and come out on top is so sweet.鈥�
Beyond the game, Boyda believes that being the host of the Senior Bowl is a great way to showcase the community.
鈥淲e get an opportunity to showcase not only our football facilities, our football locker room, our field, our community. Everybody has been so impressed with Yorkton, how the community comes together to support football in Yorkton, so that鈥檚 one of the things that makes me so proud to be a local resident.鈥�
Boyda hopes Yorkton becomes a regular part of the Senior Bowl rotation in the future, and believes they have proved the city can handle a high level event like the Senior Bowl.聽
