The Regina Thunder has been watching the Yorkton Raider Gridders, and they like what they see. Three YRHS students will be headed to Regina this year, playing for the Thunder next season. Kenten Effa, Reece McCormick and Jaxon Boyda will all be headed to Regina.
Coach Scott McCaulay said that he’s always looking to Yorkton for players because of Yorkton Minor Football’s success on the field. He said that for him, it’s always a team to look at, because the wins have proven that these players know football. The consistency of the team and the system Roby Sharpe, Ryan Effa and Jason Boyda have created has made the team a go-to when the Thunder looks to add to the roster each year.
“They come in, they’ve been coached well, and they know how to win.”
The team has been watching these players since Grade 10, and McCormick said that they know that the Yorkton coaches tell the truth when it comes to how the team performs.
McCormick is “a little bit of a phenom” said McCaulay, though little might be the wrong word, since he is 6’3” and 300 lbs. with a lot of muscle.
“He plays that interior d-line position real good, where he’s strong and able to deliver a blow, keep control of the offensive linemen.”
Effa is a really coachable kid with a high football IQ, said McCaulay.
“Definitely smart, aggressive and fast. He’s a guy who can easily come in and play linebacker or even defensive back for us.
Boyda is tough and aggressive, said McCaulay, and he knows how to win championships.
“Football is in his family’s blood.”
Bringing three players from the locker room might bring some chemistry between the three of them, but McCaulay said that he hopes that chemistry can transfer to the rest of the team, and they can connect with everyone in the locker room as well, to
Effa is excited to have the chance to play football again at a higher level.
As for being one of three signed to the team, Effa said it makes it even better.
“It’s going to be awesome just to play with the guys you won a championship with again... We’re all super close.”
McCormick said that for him, playing for a team like the Thunder has been a goal, and he’s glad to achieve it.
“All of the hard work I put in, and all of the injuries I overcame, it means a lot.”
While it has been a challenge to stay fit through the pandemic, Effa and McCormick said that they have been doing what they can, hitting the gym and finding ways to train at home. McCormick has also been working with the Selects team, and he’s hoping that the pandemic settles down so he can get back on the field.
“I just want to play football again.”
While the main hope for any team is a chance to get on the field, McCaulay said that they are also hoping that they can get a home playoff game and a championship, and that these three players can help them achieve that goal.
