As another season of football comes to an end for the Stettler Wildcats, they had a lot to celebrate, with coaches recognizing a long list of valuable contributions from the players throughout the season.
Held on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus cafeteria, the banquet was well attended as parents and families of players came to attend the evening.
With about 120 guests, including Clearview representatives, Peter Barron and Cheri Neitz, there were also coaches from the Battle River Shock Midget Football, Don Loov and Maren Stevens.
In total, 18 players were recognized, with the MVP awards going to Teron Garbutt, who rushed for 1,141 yards on 74 carries in the six regular games, with an average of 15.4 yards per carry, playing only four of those games; and Carson Neitz, who replaced the injured Wildcat quarterback Jordan Lane, quite successfully throughout the season.
"Teron was our starting tailback this year after transitioning from slotback last year," Head Coach Norbert Baharally said. "He carried over 2,000 yards for the year, with an average of just over 14 yards per carry. That's truly a phenomenal display of running by a high school player or by any running back."
According to Baharally, he was a "real leader" both on and off the field.
Speaking to Carson Neitz's achievements, Baharally said, "When Jordan went down against Sylvan Lake with a season-ending knee injury, Carson became our starting quarterback and would remain as our starter for the rest of the year.
"Carson developed as a real leader with our team this year once the starting quarterback reigns were handed over to him. We also named him as one of our regular rotating captains for the duration of the year, a role that he took very seriously and fulfilled to the best of his abilities as a Grade 10 player."
Most Valuable Player – Teron Garbutt and Carson Neitz
Best Back – Alex LeBlanc and Will McDonald
Rookie Of The Year – Steele Nichols and Myles Ecklund
Most Improved Player – Eric Williams and Devon Mehle
Captain's Award – Jordan Lane and Keegan St. Denis
Most Versatile Player – Mitchell Gudgeon
Best Lineman – Ty McCann and Lincoln Carey
Player Contributing the Most with the Least Recognition – Chase Walton and Noah McKay
Most Dedicated Offensive Player – Danny Lesage
Most Dedicated Defensive Player – Justin Matchett and Rune Lundorff
Among the special award winners were Myles Niehaus, Tyler Matchett, Delaney Anderson and Gavin McQuay.