The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the April 29th weekend at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to the OPC, CFC will preview the teams and the players participating in the big event.
If Riley Ferrell, a member of Team West Minors, ever plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats one day, he will already have the uniform, albeit it would be a bit small at that point.
When you have a passion for the game, you tend to take any opportunity presented to you. When the Ontario Prospect Challenge presented itself to Ferrell, there was little doubt that he would try out for it. “I just love football and playing with the team and winning as a team,” he said.
Riley Ferrell (#29) in a mess of players. Courtesy of Jeff Ferrell.
The OPC brings together both young players and coaches from all over the province and it is a chance to work with a new set of football enthusiasts. For Ferrell, he said that the highlight of the OPC has been being able to meet other players and coaches.
The young player currently stands at 4’11, 96lbs. He plays for the peewee Hamilton Jr. Tiger-Cats (Ontario Varsity Football League) as a safety and a linebacker. “You feel like the quarterback of the defence,” Ferrell said when asked about why he enjoys his current position.
Riley Ferrell (#29) tackles his London Junior Mustangs opponent. Courtesy of Jeff Ferrell.
When Ferrell steps out onto the turf at Tim Hortons Field, he will be standing in the home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the club his team is named after. While there may be some pressure for the young players as they are playing the OPC in a big CFL stadium, Ferrell is not too concerned.
He said, “As my coach says, just have fun. It’s just a game.”
Ferrell will be graduating in 2022 and although university is still six or so years away, he has an idea as to where he would like to end up. His goals are to play either play in the NCAA with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish or play in the CIS with the McMaster Marauders.
Whatever happens in his future, one thing is certain for this young player. Ferrell said, “Team will help my down the road in life.”
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
CFC Youth Game Spotlight: Burlington QB has his sights set on greatness
