2019 FOOTBALL CANADA CUP PREVIEW – MANITOBA

By Ameeta Vohra

One of the provincial teams hoping for a better showing from 2018 is Manitoba.  With 11 returning players, the team boasts a roster with experience and that will be key in their goal to compete against the top teams.

Ryan Karhut returns back as head coach for the second straight year.  He is also an assistant coach with USPORTS team Manitoba Bisons and has previous experience with the York Lions as well as CJFL’s PFC team Winnipeg Rifles.

Returning running back Isheanesu Matanga highlights the offence.  An explosive and dynamic rusher, Matanga was a standout at the 2018 Football Canada Cup and has is gifted with hands that are able to make crafty, but big plays.  Kaiden Bannon leads the receiving core and is also a returning player but he has the experience of helping Manitoba win bronze at the 2017 Under-16 Western Challenge held in Lethbridge, Alberta. His strength is using his football sense to run routes with precision.

Defence is where Manitoba has consistently been strong and this year is no exception. Linebacker Isaac Dokken, defensive back Nathan Smallwood as well as linemen Jordan Friesen and Jonah Siciliano have the experience to provide veteran leadership on this team.  The unit’s size and athleticism makes them an opposing offence’s nightmare.

2018 RESULT: lost to British Columbia 23-10 to end up in sixth
HEAD COACH: Ryan Karhut – second year in role
2019 GAME DAY 1 – will battle third seeded Quebec on July 7, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. EST
NUMBER OF RETURNING PLAYERS: 11

PLAYERS TO WATCH

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