Last year in London Ontario, when the dust had settled and it was all said and done Team Alberta found themselves on the short end of a 21-11 score in the gold medal final. 2012 marked the second straight year that the young men from Wild Rose Country fell just short of being declared Canadian champs and although the score may have been a tad closer than the actual game, Alberta once again established themselves as one of Canada’s hotbeds for football talent. In a province well known for it’s toughness, football has for years mirrored this image. Swarming dominating defences have become a synonymous with Team Alberta boasting the likes of Jasper Park linebackers Troy Hansen (who will be attending Kent Prep in Connecticut this fall) and Brad Friessen (who has committed to play for the U of C Dino’s) from 2012 to this year’s equally tough defensive crop, led by a stellar secondary that includes returnees from last year’s squad Josh Normandeau, Jordan Rae and Calgary native Andrew Britton. Not to be outdone the Offensive side of the ball features a ground and pound style of football that has highlighted backs Ryder Stone (bound for Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts) and Calgary Dino recruit Cole Fiedler from last years squad and this year’s troublesome trio of Tyler Chow (MVP vs. New Brunswick), Alex Cho and David Adebayo.
However an interesting trend seems to be developing on the offensive side of things and that seems to be the depth, talent and versatility found at the QB position. Last year Boston Rowe (headed for U of C) and Chris Merchant https://www.canadafootballchat.com/silencing-the-critics/ (headed for D1 University of Buffalo) formed arguably the best and most lethal Quarterbacking tandem in the tournament.
- 2012 Alberta QB Boston Rowe
- 2012 Team Alberta and Buffalo bound QB Chris Merchant #12
They seemed to compliment each other magnificently as Rowe more the scrambler (but a very competent passer) and Merchant more in the drop back mold (but a very competent runner) seemed to keep opposing defences on their heals for much of the tournament and I can guarantee they gave defensive coaches nightmares. Opposing coaches were happy to know that these two players had graduated from the U18 tourney…or were they??
- Alberta pivot Colton Hunchak
One thing is clear after the opener against New Brunswick, things aren’t going to get any easier for opposing defences or their coaches, in an awesome offensive display QB’s Colton Hunchak (6’0″ 185 lbs, Calgary,AB) and Ben Kopczynski (5’10 195 lbs, Calgary,AB.) lit it up both on the ground and in the air. Both these quarterbacks seem intent on carrying on, not just what seems to be an Alberta tradition of fine young QB’s but on a more granular level, a Calgary tradition as Alberta’s biggest city is quickly becoming a hotbed for quarterbacks and may soon be known more for it’s ability to develop pivots than it’s Steer wrestling. In a rare display of power and finesse Hunchak wowed onlookers with a first quarter sprint of 75 yards for the major. I use the term sprint because I cannot think of a better way to describe the way Hunchak pulled away from defenders, much like Ben Johnson pulling away from Carl Lewis in ’88. It was clear that the lefty’s running ability rivalled that of any receiver or running back, but could he pass? Umm yeah!!! The southpaw continually displayed the poise and patience of a seasoned passer to take the underneath that was given to him and hurt New Brunswick in numerous ways.
Not to be outshone, Ben Kopczynski, who was dubbed “the drop pack passer” in error by yours truly on air proved me horribly wrong with a scramble reminiscent of Steve Young’s beauty at Candlestick vs. Minnesota in the late eighties or more recently Michael Vick’s highlights in Atlanta. Kopczynski wowed the large Rocky Stone field crowd with a 53 yard td (which probably covered 100 yards) that included zigs, zags, broken tackles and a whole lotta fun!! These two runs overshadowed a night of great QB play by both pivots.
- Ben Kopczynski
It’ll be interesting to see what this QB tandem does in their first real test, a showdown with a unified Ontario squad, one that will be looking for revenge as Team Ontario West got blown out last year in the semi’s and I am sure there are those who remember it. But revenge minded or not Ontario needs to be very leary of this two headed beast which is going to have a lot to say before this year’s edition of the Canada Cup is put to rest. Don’t forget to check out the video section to see interviews with these fine young athletes and many more at the 2013 Football Canada Cup.
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
