A member of the Estevan Comprehensive School’s football team has attained a first for the program.
Hunter Eagles, who is in Grade 11, was selected by the coaches in the Moose Jaw Minor Football League as the top defensive player. It’s the first time a member of the Elecs has been selected for a league award by the coaches.
It’s quite an accomplishment for Eagles, who made the shift from linebacker to safety at the start of the season.
“It was pretty exciting to win it in the first place, and then on top of that, to be the first Elecs player ever to win it, it was a pretty awesome feeling,” said Eagles.
He’s surprised to be the first ECS player to win such an award. Estevan has had some very good talent in its 11-year history, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Eagles also plays running back and returns kicks for the Elecs.
He had quite the year, too. He notched touchdowns in four different ways: an interception, a fumble recovery, a kickoff return and a running play.
Eagles cited hard work, having fun and a love of physical play as the keys to his success.
While he still played a little bit of linebacker this season, he was excited when he found out he would be in the defensive backfield.
“It gave me more chances at interceptions, and it gave me a 15-yard run at people, so that was always great,” Eagles said.
It took about two games before he felt comfortable at the position. And while he thought he had a chance at the award, Eagles knew there were other deserving players in the league.
He also shares the award with his fellow defensive players.
“I wouldn’t be able to do any this without them,” said Eagles. “They’re the guys who stop the run or plug everything up for me to be able to make the plays, so I owe them a big thanks, too, as well as all my coaches who put me in a position to make those plays.”
The defence for the Elecs played really well most games, and the offence came together over the course of the season.
Eagles still has one more year of high school eligibility remaining. He already misses being out on the field with his teammates, but is looking forward to next year.
“It sucks that the seniors can’t be back, though. I’m really going to miss them,” Eagles said, who expects he will be even better next year.
With a little more practice, he believes safety could be his “forever position.”
