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Local footballers headed to Texas

When Saskatchewan heads south to participate in the International Pigskin Bowl/Tournament in Texas in February Yorkton will be well-represented in the four age category teams.

When Saskatchewan heads south to participate in the International Pigskin Bowl/Tournament in Texas in February Yorkton will be well-represented in the four age category teams.
Overall a dozen Yorkton football players have been selected to the various rosters, explained Jason Boyda who will be the head coach on the Under-14 squad.
Boyda said the players involved took part in try-outs in Moose Jaw in November.
“There was close to 400 kids trying out for all the teams,” said Boyda, adding the U14 team he coaches “had around 130 kids try out.”
Boyda said the try-outs were open.
“It was open to anyone in Saskatchewan to try out,” he said, adding they had youth from across the province and from six-player, nine-player and full 12s programs.
Boyda said this is the fourth year for the program and in those four years he has seen significant improvement in the players in particular in terms of “their football IQ.”
There are also better athletes involved in youth football today, players who may have played soccer and basketball and are new using the athleticism in pursuing football as well.
Boyda added he is a big proponent of youth playing a variety of sports.
“The more sports the better, you don’t have to specialize,” he said.
Following the team selections players have been practicing every second weekend with their teams, again in Moose Jaw. That process has included having American coaches visit to help with skill development, said Boyda.
While American youth typically play more football, the difference in overall skill is not so great, as Team Saskatchewan did return from Texas last year with one divisional crown.
This year’s event will include Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and teams from across the United States, and Mexico.
The Yorkton contingent of players include on the Under-10/11 Team:
Gage Keller, Royce Rathgeber, and Jordanna Watrych.
The Under-12 Team will include Owen Watrych.
On the U14 squad with Boyda as head coach will be; Jaxon Boyda at defensive back, Jake Farrell at quarterback, Noah Schiender at wide receiver, Josh Forster on the defensive line and Tristan Watrych at defensive back.
On the U 16 Team are Fayden Grymak on the defensive line, Dylan Lepowick at running back, and David Neumeier on the offensive line.