High School

Crocus blown out by Grant Park

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

The Grant Park Pirates effort against the Crocus Plainsmen was nothing short of a beatdown, plain and simple.

The Pirates (3-2) scored at will against Crocus (1-4) en route to a 59-15 blowout in their Winnipeg High School Football League game at Crocus on Friday afternoon to extend the Plainsmens losing streak to four. It appeared Grant Park might run up the scoreboard early after the Pirates scored two touchdowns within the first two drives of the game thanks to quarterback Alex Balasko — who never showed any signs of slowing down — and the team’s stingy defence.

Balasko found wide receiver Ryder Hlady all alone for a 30-yard reception to take the Pirates deep into Crocus territory before running it in himself to draw first blood for his club. They pulled off an aggressive move to fake the kick and go for two points, which also paid off after finding a receiver by himself in the end zone to give Grant Park an 8-0 lead.

Crocus punt returner Eric Singfat had an impressive 70-yard run, moving all the way to the Pirates 20-yard line after breaking some tackles, but a flag on the play due to a holding penalty negated what would have been a huge point in the game for Crocus. The Plainsmen fumbled the ball the following play and gave up another touchdown after Grant Park recovered the ball for a 30-yard run to make it 15-0.

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Oct. 5, 6 PM: 10°c Cloudy with wind Oct. 6, 12 AM: 4°c Windy

Brandon MB

12°C, Cloudy with wind

Full Forecast

Okaekwu leads Massey to blowout win

2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025

Lota Okaekwu had six carries for 100 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown as the Vincent Massey Vikings trounced the Windsor Park Royals 48-8 in Winnipeg High School Football League junior varsity nine-man action in Winnipeg on Wednesday.

Aiden Clisby went 8-for-12 with 211 passing yards and three scores, two of them to Reece Duthie and the other to J.J. Kelleher.

Kade Nielsen led the Massey defence with a 56-yard interception return touchdown, as well as another pick and two forced fumbles.

Isaiah Guimond added a tackle.

Gasuliak, Vikings sweep Plainsmen 3-0

1 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025

Valentyn Gasuliak made eight digs as the Vincent Massey Vikings swept the Crocus Plainsmen 3-0 in Brandon High School Volleyball League junior varsity boys’ action on Wednesday.

Cohen Folkerts posted three kills, three aces and three blocks for the Vikings.

Results from the varsity boys’ match were not available at deadline.

Today, the Vikings visit the Plainsmen in girls’ volleyball, with the JV teams squaring off at 6 p.m., and the varsity teams following at 7:30 p.m.

Viking volleyball girls win Royal Rumble

1 minute read Sunday, Sep. 28, 2025

Zoe Redekop recorded nine kills as the Vincent Massey Vikings beat the Westwood Warriors 2-0 (25-22, 25-19) in the final of Lord Selkirk’s Royal Rumble varsity girls volleyball tournament on Saturday.

Hannah McGregor posted a team-high 11 kills in the final, with Hayden Wharf adding six.

Kaitlyn Couckuyt served five aces, while Reece Cowan made nine digs for the Vikings, who beat the Steinbach Sabres 2-0 (25-20, 25-16) in the semifinals.

The Neelin Spartans lost 2-0 (25-21, 25-21) to the St. Mary’s Flames in the ninth-place match.

Massey wins, Crocus loses in WHSFL

2 minute read Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

The Vincent Massey Vikings earned a big victory and the Crocus Plainsmen suffered a lopsided defeat in Winnipeg High School Football League action on Friday in Winnipeg.

The Vikings (2-2) earned a 32-3 victory over the Sturgeon Heights Huskies, with Logan Van Santen making four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, Ethan Cullen rumbling three carries for 30 years and a touchdown and Tobilola Olorunsola also scoring on the ground.

Defensively, Corwyn McLean had an interception and four tackles, Caleb Edward had two sacks, seven tackles for a loss and 10 tackles overall and Kaleb McAuley broke up two passes and made eight tackles.

Massey hosts the Vincent Massey Trojans next Saturday at 1 p.m.

Spartans varsity boys sweep Plainsmen

1 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025

Case Ashcroft piled up 15 kills as the Neelin Spartans swept the Crocus Plainsmen 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 26-24) in Brandon High School Volleyball League varsity boys’ action at Crocus on Wednesday.

Lucas Gamache added 11 kills and four aces for Neelin (2-0), with Sam Rempel recording two kills and four blocks.

In the JV boys’ match, Crocus won 3-1 (25-17, 25-22, 16-15, 25-18). Stats were not available.

Next week, the Plainsmen visit the Vincent Massey Vikings on Oct. 1.

Spartan girls start season strong

Thomas Friesen 4 minute read Preview

Spartan girls start season strong

Thomas Friesen 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

Just about all of these Neelin Spartans know what it takes to achieve their ultimate goal.

And they have no reason to believe they can’t do it again this year.

The 2023 varsity and JV AAA provincial volleyball champions are off to a hot start this year.

“I feel like we’re capable of the same thing,” said Dana Linov, MVP of JV provincials two years ago. We’re a very similar team and we’ve all gotten so much better, too.

Read
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

Neelin’s Layla Desjardin and Elli Pomehichuk attempt a block against the Crocus Plainsmen during Brandon High School Volleyball League varsity girls’ action at Neelin on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Neelin’s Layla Desjardin and Elli Pomehichuk attempt a block against the Crocus Plainsmen during Brandon High School Volleyball League varsity girls’ action at Neelin on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Ebb and Flow program perseveres through renovations

Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Preview

Ebb and Flow program perseveres through renovations

Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

The court is far from the Field of Dreams, but it’s a court that kept dreams alive.

When Ebb and Flow First Nation started a complete renovation of its school a couple of years ago, it left the Thunderbirds varsity teams without a home gymnasium to train and play in.

But coach Tyrone Desjarlais was determined to give his athletes the opportunity they’ve worked tirelessly for, so he took matters into his own hands — and his own property.

Desjarlais secured an old volleyball net from the school and pounded wooden posts into the ground, assembling a makeshift grass court to hold practices on in the community located 200 kilometres north of Brandon, due east of Ste. Rose.

Read
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

The Ebb and Flow Thunderbirds bench celebrates during a varsity boys’ volleyball match at Henry Champ Gymnasium on Friday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

The Ebb and Flow Thunderbirds bench celebrates during a varsity boys’ volleyball match at Henry Champ Gymnasium on Friday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Garden Valley wins BU volleyball tourney

By Thomas Friesen 3 minute read Preview

Garden Valley wins BU volleyball tourney

By Thomas Friesen 3 minute read Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

The Garden Valley Zodiacs won their most important match of the weekend on Saturday afternoon.

Late that evening, they captured the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament title with a 2-0 sweep of Saskatchewan’s Estevan Elecs at the Healthy Living Centre.

But the big one for the Winkler school was avenging some important losses to the Neelin Spartans in the quarterfinals.

“It was pretty nice. Neelin beat us both in basketball and in volleyball in (AAA) provincials in the final, so finally got the W over them, which was nice,” said tournament MVP Alfredo Enns.

Read
Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

Garden Valley Zodiacs middle blocker Alfredo Enns was named MVP of the Brandon University varsity boys' volleyball tournament on Saturday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Garden Valley Zodiacs middle blocker Alfredo Enns was named MVP of the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament on Saturday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Hutton, Birkhan lead electric Elton attack

Thomas Friesen 6 minute read Preview

Hutton, Birkhan lead electric Elton attack

Thomas Friesen 6 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

When Jack Hutton talks, the Elton Sabres listen.

Whether he’s congratulating his teammates or demanding more from them, the Grade 11 outside hitter wasted no time earning their complete respect.

“Jack brings so much energy onto the court and he brings a lot of authority in a good, uplifting, positive way. He really gets everyone going,” middle blocker Adair Birkhan said during the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament on Friday.

“He gets everyone excited, hyped and really ready to play and making sure everyone’s doing their best. He holds everyone accountable for that.”

Read
Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Elton Sabres captain Jack Hutton attacks a ball against the Garden Valley Zodiacs during the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament at Henry Champ Gymnasium on Friday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Elton Sabres captain Jack Hutton attacks a ball against the Garden Valley Zodiacs during the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament at Henry Champ Gymnasium on Friday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Oakden, Vikings claim gold medal

2 minute read Preview

Oakden, Vikings claim gold medal

2 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Hunter Oakden shot an 8-under 64 to win the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association boys’ provincial golf title at Oak Island Resort on Friday.

The Vincent Massey sophomore also gave his Vikings the eight-shot cushion they needed to claim the team title over St. Paul’s High School.

Massey’s Daylan Duncalfe shot 75, with Kale Jones carding 78 for a total of 1-over 217 while St. Paul’s finished at 225.

It’s the first Vikings golf banner since Hunter’s father, Dean, led the program to three consecutive championships from 1990 to 1992.

Read
Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Hunter Oakden, from left, Daylan Duncalfe and Kale Jones of Vincent Massey won the MHSAA provincial boys’ golf title at Oak Island Resort on Friday. Submitted)

Hunter Oakden, from left, Daylan Duncalfe and Kale Jones of Vincent Massey won the MHSAA provincial boys’ golf title at Oak Island Resort on Friday. Submitted)

Vikings drop Kodiaks in WHSFL

1 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Caleb Edwards recovered a fumble and ran it back for a touchdown as the Vincent Massey Vikings picked up their first win of the Winnipeg High School Football League season on Friday, 35-13 over the host River East Kodiaks.

Cole Vandenberghe had a team-high five tackles, along with a fumble recovery and an interception.

Ethan Smith led the offence with seven carries for 42 yards and a touchdown, while Tobi Oluronsola also rushed in for a score.

Quarterback Charlie Gauthier ran for 42 yards and threw for 38.

Onuke, Eltawil lead Neelin to first win

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 4 minute read Preview

Onuke, Eltawil lead Neelin to first win

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Game-breaking talent is often the difference between winning and losing.

That was on full display during the Neelin Spartans’ 29-22 win over the Parkwest Outlaws, which earned them their first victory of the Rural Manitoba Football League season at Neelin on Friday.

Not even rain that showered the field for more than an hour could have denied Spartans running back Emeka Onuke of a monstrous game after the 16-year-old found the end zone twice after a pair of lengthy runs to push him to more than 135 rushing yards in the contest.

Onuke, who failed to get on the scoreboard in last week’s tilt against Neepawa, was able to take advantage of his space on the outside, using angles and speed as a way to storm past Outlaws defenders. He’s hoping to carry the momentum from Friday’s game over to next Sunday, when Neelin gets its highly anticipated rematch with the Tigers.

Read
Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Spartans kicker and wide receiver Devin Lucas (85) kicks a field goal during Rural Manitoba Football League action at Neelin on Friday. (Massimo De Luca-Taronno/The Brandon Sun)

Spartans kicker and wide receiver Devin Lucas (85) kicks a field goal during Rural Manitoba Football League action at Neelin on Friday. (Massimo De Luca-Taronno/The Brandon Sun)

Makori’s injury looms over Crocus loss

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 4 minute read Preview

Makori’s injury looms over Crocus loss

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

The Plainsmen have bigger fish to fry than worrying about their loss against Kelvin High School.

After the Crocus Plainsmen (1-2) dropped their second straight contest, falling 11–6 to the Kelvin Clippers (1-2), the big red spotlight quickly shifted to starting quarterback Joe Makori, who exited the game with an undisclosed injury in the second half of Thursday’s Winnipeg High School Football League matchup at Crocus.

Makori was down on the field for at least 10 minutes after being sacked by two Kelvin defenders, appearing to suffer a lower-body injury. He had completed four passes for 62 yards prior to his injury and had briefly left the previous drive for two snaps after taking a late hit to the head that knocked his helmet off.

Backup QB and starting cornerback Riley Dutchak stepped in to lead Crocus’s offence after Makori was ruled out of the game and looked quite comfortable for only assuming the backup role earlier this week.

Read
Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Crocus Plainsmen quarterback Joe Makori dives out of bounds against the Kelvin Clippers during their Winnipeg High School Football League game at Crocus on Thursday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Crocus Plainsmen quarterback Joe Makori dives out of bounds against the Kelvin Clippers during their Winnipeg High School Football League game at Crocus on Thursday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Rempel dazzles in Neelin debut

By Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Preview

Rempel dazzles in Neelin debut

By Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

Sam Rempel didn’t even know what a 51 was before joining the Neelin Spartans this fall.

It’s the most basic offensive play a middle runs in volleyball. It’s one that most players learn from the start, not at the start of Grade 12.

But boy did Rempel catch on quickly. The Edmonton product racked up 10 kills in his Spartans debut on Wednesday, a four-set victory over the Vincent Massey Vikings to open the Brandon High School Volleyball League.

“Honestly, it was a lot different than what I’m used to,” said Rempel, who attended a small, Catholic, French immersion school called J.H. Picard, which competes in Alberta’s fifth tier of high school athletics.

Read
Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

Sam Rempel posted 10 kills in his first-ever match for the Neelin Spartans varsity boys' volleyball team on Wednesday, a 3-1 win over the Vincent Massey Vikings. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Sam Rempel posted 10 kills in his first-ever match for the Neelin Spartans varsity boys’ volleyball team on Wednesday, a 3-1 win over the Vincent Massey Vikings. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Crocus tops Massey in JV football thriller

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 5 minute read Preview

Crocus tops Massey in JV football thriller

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 5 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025

The Vincent Massey Vikings and Crocus Plainsmen rivalry on the football field never seems to have a dull moment, and this week two junior varsity matchup was no exception.

The Plainsmen came out on top against the Vikings 30–18 in what can best be described as a back-and-forth battle filled with turnovers and big-time plays during junior varsity action in the Winnipeg High School Football League at Crocus on Wednesday.

Fans had barely settled into their lawn chairs when Crocus’ defence recovered a fumble by Massey quarterback Aiden Clisby on the opening drive, just after the snap on second down, giving the Plainsmen their first possession at the Vikings’ 20-yard line. Crocus capitalized on Massey’s costly turnover almost immediately after first-year quarterback Jake Cory delivered a perfect throw to Daniel Adetoro in the end zone to draw first blood.

On the following play, Cory converted on the Plainsmen’s two-point attempt after running the ball on the outside to make it 8-0 Crocus.

Read
Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025

Kayven Brown (#16) gets taken down by Lexan White (#3) after a 10-yard reception during junior varsity football action at Crocus on Wednesday. (Massimo De Luca-Taronno/The Brandon Sun)

Kayven Brown (#16) gets taken down by Lexan White (#3) after a 10-yard reception during junior varsity football action at Crocus on Wednesday. (Massimo De Luca-Taronno/The Brandon Sun)

LOAD MORE