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Voyageurs host jamboree

It was an opportunity to see where they sit so far in the season, as football teams from across the region gathered at Walsh Field for the Jamboree.
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The Bonnyville Voyageurs hosted a Jamboree on Saturday at Walsh Field. Here, Evan Fritzler avoids a tackle as he carries the ball down the field.

It was an opportunity to see where they sit so far in the season, as football teams from across the region gathered at Walsh Field for the Jamboree.


“The jamboree is an opportunity for coaches to look at their players in the spring and see how they’re doing,” explained Voyageurs’ head coach Larry Godziuk. “This is the first time Grade 9 players get to move up and play high school football. They get to play against kids that are two years older than they are for the first time in a while.”


On Saturday, May 26, football teams went head-to-head on the field to test their skills, get a feel for the game, and see how they stack-up against some of the area’s best.


“It’s nice, everyone gets to come out and see our new turf field. It’s also a really good learning experience for everyone,” expressed Drake Boulianne, returning Voyageur.


A jamboree differs from a regular game. Instead of keeping track of touchdowns, coaches are on the field as their players take 10 shots at defence, followed by 10 sets of offence.


“It’s a modified game so there is no kicking and no special teams. It’s a real controlled environment where us coaches get to be on the field as well so we can give coaching points and tips to keep people safe and put people in the right position. It really allows the guys to see how far they’ve come,” Godziuk said.


When it comes to the Voyageurs, Godziuk said the jamboree highlighted the potential some of the team’s younger players have.


“I thought we had some young kids who did really well. Some of our Grade 9 players did okay,” detailed Godziuk, adding moving forward, they will focus on teaching their players more about the game, their position, and how to work as a team.


“That’s our main goal,” he continued.


Boulianne agrees with his coach that you can never have enough teammwork when it comes to football, but thinks overall, the team tackled well and showed their skills in offensive roles.


With two more weeks to go before the regular season starts, and another jamboree on the horizon, Godziuk said it will be a good opportunity to fine-tune these areas.


“In our league, we want to be one of those teams that can compete,” Godziuk said. “Holy Rosary and Lloydminster Comprehensive High School are coming off of provincial silver medals, are definitely going to be two teams to work towards beating.”


With teams gearing up for another season, Godziuk had some words of advice for his new and returning players.


“Keep positive, keep working hard. They have to be students of the game. They have to learn how the game is played and why the game is played a certain way so they can do their best.”

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