Vincent Massey Trojans battling hard to defend title

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This article was published 17/10/2016 (3613 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Vincent Massey Collegiate football team knows it has to bring its best game every time it plays.  

As defending champs of the AAA John Potter Division of the Winnipeg High School Football League, the team doesn’t have another option, coach Kesley McKay says.

The Trojans currently stand second in the division, just two points back of the St. Paul’s High School Crusaders.

“Every week, being defending champs we’re going to get everyone’s A+ game, every week,” McKay said. “So we have to be that much better.”

In 2015, the Trojans managed to take the ANAVETS Bowl against the Crusaders, 22-12, in the division final at Investors Group Field.

While McKay says a number of players from the championship team graduated this spring, this year’s squad is finding its footing.

“The whole season is an evolution of the roles and the team is still figuring out where their roles are and who’s in leadership positions,” McKay said. “We’re excited with our performance on the field but that again is a very fluid situation.”

The players are also learning to trust one another, their systems and coaches and they’re working towards meeting expectations. McKay said the boys are doing their best to hold their teammates and themselves accountable.

“What I’m really pleased with is the quality and depth of our team,” he added. “A lot of our young guys and guys who didn’t play tons last year, when they’re getting opportunities they’re doing really well.”  

With a nearly perfect record (the Trojans dropped their first game against St. Paul’s by just one point), McKay said the squad continues to bring great work ethic to games and develop strong team defence.

Leading the Trojans’ offence is Andreas Dueck. The Grade 12 quarterback was selected offensive player of the week by the league on Oct. 5. In a recent match against Oak Park, 15 of Dueck’s 18 passes were completed for  235 yards and five touchdowns.

“He’s really worked hard for his success and I hopes he keeps doing that,” McKay said of Dueck.

Another Trojan, defensive back Neel Visen was named defensive player of the week on Oct. 5.

Described by McKay as a quiet leader, Visen had three interceptions against Oak Park along with 43 return yards.

“He goes out there every day and works really hard and he’s not really flashy,” McKay said. “But he’s one of those dependable guys and (that) week he had the opportunity to make three big plays and he did.”

McKay expects players will come into their positions over the next two weeks and is looking forward to seeing the trust develop leading into the playoffs.

“We’re always working hard as a program overall to do our best and build good young men on and off the field,” he said.

“I’m excited to see what the end product is, but right now it’s pretty good so far.”

VMC will be in action at 4 p.m. against Sturgeon Heights on Oct. 21 at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate (2665 Ness Ave.).

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