Strong finish to Winnipeg Rifles spring camp

Winnipeg

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This article was published 04/06/2025 (402 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Rifles junior football team wrapped up its spring training camp with an exhibition game against NCAA Division 3 powerhouse Saint John’s University on May 17. While the Rifles lost the contest 51-3, head coach Geordie Wilson and his staff were more concerned about seeing which veterans have developed and which rookies could take jobs this season.

“We try to do this annually as a process to get us ready for the season, as the teams are good, disciplined and tough. They will be the best team we will play all year,” Wilson said of the college team from Minnesota.

“This was a necessary process that will greatly aid in our readiness for the season opener against Saskatoon on Aug 10. This will help us establish the standard of toughness and physicality we will need each week to reach our goal of winning the (Prairie Football Conference) and hosting the national championship.”

One of Wilson’s goals in the Saint John’s game was seeing his new quarterback in action. Riley Element is a 6-4, 215-pounder from Montreal’s Vanier College. Wilson hopes he brings some stability after a 2024 season that saw three different pivots under centre. Element’s signing was the culmination of a search that saw Wilson consider several USports quarterbacks.

“He’s 21, big, and athletic with a good arm,” Wilson said. “He’s a smart kid. He’s performing well, and that’s been our missing link the past few years. Had we had a competent quarterback last year, we could’ve threatened to be in the national final.”

Wilson believes Element will be protected by the best offensive line the Rifles have had in a decade, one that’s big and mobile. One player to watch is Jaden Sawatzky, an East Kildonan product who joined the team three years ago.

“He’s a team leader and a really good dude,” Wilson said.

A successful passing game would take pressure off running back Kaiden Banfield, who led the PFC with 222 touches and 1,151 all-purpose yards. One of Element’s key targets will be receiver Jarome Penner. Wilson likens the third-year pass catcher from Sturgeon Heights to NFL star Wes Welker.

“He’s small, shifty and fast with great hands,” Wilson said.

Penner said he’s ready for the attention.

“I expect to have a larger role as a leader and a mentor on and off the field,” Penner said. “My goals are to excel in every aspect of my game and take what I learned in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie camp (which he attended last month) and apply it. I’m anticipating some more passing touchdowns in our receiving core.”

On defence, Wilson is excited about linebacker Cohen McCluskey, whom he called a throwback player.

“Everyone’s a little terrified of him when he’s on the field,” Wilson said. “He’s super-athletic. When he strikes you, he strikes you. I could see him becoming a CFL special-teams demon. He’s big, runs well, and comes with bad intentions.”

McCluskey, who hails from East Kildonan, can’t wait for the games to count.

“A lot of vets are fired up to get rolling and see what we’ve got this year,” McCluskey said. “I want to have a physical impact on every game we play, whether it’s stat-wise or not. I’d expect to have a big role on defensive and special teams, flying around and causing a lot of collisions.”