Quote:
Reigning Hec Crighton Trophy-winner and Regina Rams quarterback Noah Picton threw for 228 yards and recorded three touchdowns. ...
With a second consecutive win, the West improves its record to 9-6 since the Canadian Football League top prospects game was inaugurated in 2003.
Picton, who won the Hec Crighton Trophy in 2016, awarded to the most outstanding U SPORTS player, continued his stellar year when he was awarded the game’s MVP title for the West, after completing 15 passes in 20 attempts for 228 yards and two majors, in addition to scoring one himself on the field.
“It was good to cap off the week like that! With these all-star games, you never know how well you’re going to gel with your teammates or what the defense is going to throw at you. I thought that as a whole, our team executed on offense and defense and we just connected together at the right time,” said Picton, who also complimented his offensive line. “Our offensive line in Regina is good, but we had stars here. It sometimes felt like being in front of a brick wall!”
Dinos head coach Wayne Harris led the West Team, six months after taking Calgary to the Vanier Cup final.
“It’s not about the win necessarily, but it’s nice to get it for sure,” he said. “All these guys are competitors, and I’m happy for our players that they were victorious today. It’s great to see the week’s efforts get rewarded.”
For the East, the MVP title was awarded to Bishop’s Gaiters kicker Vincent Dubé, who was responsible for his team’s 13 points with four field goals and one single.
“The guys in front of me, the long snapper and the holder all did great work. I was just happy to be here,” said the Montmagny, Que., native. “It’s 45 minutes away from the stadium, so it was like playing at home.
“With the Gaiters’ transfer to the Maritimes, it was the last opportunity I had to play at Laval University and I took advantage of it,” he added.
“It was a great experience,” said East head coach Gary Waterman of the StFX X-Men. “As I’ve said all week, it’s been fantastic to work with many talented individuals from Canada. That applies to the coaches too, and being able to see the great work they do.”
