New format for high school football league

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This article was published 07/09/2018 (2916 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg High School Football League has kicked off its 2018 varsity season with a brand new format.

Teams across the league will compete in three divisions, with the top two divisions divided into two conferences.

“Teams have balanced out quite a bit now,” said league commissioner Rick Henkewich. “We’re happy with where the teams are at. Every game is going to be competitive.”

Division 1’s Gustafson Conference features the Sturgeon Heights Huskies, Dryden Eagles, Oak Park Raiders, Sisler Spartans, Vincent Massey Trojans, and Vincent Massey (Brandon) Vikings. Meanwhile, the Dakota Lancers, Garden City Fighting Gophers, Grant Park Pirates, Steinbach Sabres and both St. Paul’s 1 and St. Paul’s 2 Crusaders will play in the division’s Potter Conference.

Division 2’s Bramwell Conference is home to the Crocus Plains Plainsmen, Daniel McIntyre Maroons, Murdoch MacKay Clansmen, Neelin Spartans, Portage Collegiate Trojans, and River East Kodiaks. The division’s Vidruk Conference features the Beaver Brae Broncos, Kelvin Clippers, Kildonan East  Reivers, Miles Macdonell Buckeyes, St. Norbert Celtics, and West Kildonan Wolverines.

Teams will play each other once within conference, then cross over for the sixth and seventh game of the season. The top four teams in each conference will take part in cross-division playoffs for their respective championship bowls. The bottom four teams in each division will compete in a consolation bowl.

Division 3’s Churchill Bulldogs, Elmwood Giants, Fort Frances Muskies, Lorette Scorpions, Maples Marauders, St. John’s Tigers, Tec Voc Hornets all compete in the Currie Conference.As in years past, teams were assigned placement based on their prior records and their projected skill level.

“The tier system is still in place,” Henkewich said. “It’s worked for us, and it will continue to stay with us going forward. It’s going to be difficult to crack that top 12.”

Henkewich was also pleased to see that junior varsity numbers are on the rise.

This season, Dakota, Steinbach, Vincent Massey (Winnipeg), Oak Park and Grant Park are fielding full teams. River East, Crocus Plains, Sturgeon, Sisler, Vincent Massey (Brandon), and Garden City are also fielding nine-man junior varsity teams.

For a complete schedule, results and statistics, visit www.whsfl.ca

Sheldon Birnie
Managing editor

Sheldon Birnie is the managing editor of the Free Press Community Review. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca or call him at 204-697-7112

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