Football Canada Cup shows growth in local game of Annapolis Valley

It hasn’t really been that long since football here in the Valley, at any level, was just a dream. The Football Canada Cup, being held this week in Wolfville, is notable for two reasons.

First is the presence of 10 high school-aged players from here in Kings County on the Nova Scotia roster for the national championship, all of whom received their training here.

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I’m sure the rapid rise in the popularity of football locally is at least part of the reason Wolfville was chosen to host the national tournament (the first time the U-18 event has even been held in Nova Scotia).

That’s a pretty sound endorsement for the football program here, and for how far it has come in a relatively short time.

Needless to say, the availability of such a top-level football facility as Raymond Field – arguably the best in the province ( hats off to Acadia for that) – probably had some bearing on the decision as well.

As a follower of minor football here in the Valley since its inception some 11 years ago, I’m quite familiar with the names of all the Kings County players on the squad, and even know a few of them personally.

They all received solid grounding with the Peewee and Bantam Valley Bulldogs – most of them with both – and combined it with their natural talent and athletic ability to become some of the best high school football players in the province.

Remember these names: in order of uniform numbers, Iain MacMillan, Robert Priestnall, Will Stewart, Todd Dow, Adam Melanson, Jacob Gee, Will Mosher, Jeff Longaphy, Bradley Burgess and Doug Spriggs. It likely won’t be long before you may be seeing some of them on CIS rosters, either in football or even other sports, as many of them – Longaphy, as just one example – are talented, multi-sport athletes.

I know for a fact a couple are attracting attention already. There will likely be many CIS coaches in attendance at the Football Canada Cup – and if they aren’t there, you have to wonder why not. This is a national showcase of the best 17-year-old football players in the country – offense, defense and special teams.

Seven of Canada’s provinces are represented – B.C, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario (which has two teams), Quebec and Nova Scotia (New Brunswick also has a provincial program, but is not attending). One isn’t likely to get a much better chance to see the best talent in the country in this age group – just a couple of years removed from university.

I’ve spoken to a couple of the Nova Scotia coaches, and the verdict is still out as to how Nova Scotia might fare at the tournament. They may not be the biggest, the fastest or the most talented, and their roster may not be as deep as some larger provinces, but I for one, am looking for Nova Scotia to maybe surprise some people. I’m pleased to say Team N.S. came back to win their opening game 27-24 over Alberta in a thriller and, as a result, win or lose in their semifinal Wednesday, will play for a medal July 17.

I’ve seen first hand prior to this week how talented the local players are, and how effective they can be on a football field. I can only assume the remainder of the 40-man roster is just as talented – or maybe even more so.

I’m not making any predictions, other than if you’re a football fan at all, it’s not going to get any better than this – maybe, all things considered and taking age and experience into account, not even at the pro level.

JOHN DECOSTE: Football Canada Cup shows growth in local game

BY JOHN DECOSTE

Kings County Advertiser/Register