Smith’s Defensive Fortress Crumbles: Massey Conquers the Field
Brayden Smith, the heart and soul of the Vincent Massey Vikings, left everything on the field Friday night. His bittersweet farewell to Doug Steeves Field came in a 31-3 rout of the River East Kodiaks, a victory that moved both teams to 3-3 in the Winnipeg High School Football League AAAA season. Smith, who was playing in his final regular season game, rushed for an impressive 184 yards and three touchdowns, etching his name in the annals of Massey football history.
Each touchdown was a poignant tribute to Greg Steeves, Massey’s longtime statistician and head coach Mike’s brother, who tragically passed away hours before the game. Smith, visibly emotional, pointed to the sky after each score, honoring the man who was always his biggest supporter. “He was always my biggest supporter before the game. All those touchdowns were for him,” Smith said, his voice thick with emotion. “Everything I do for the rest of the season and my football career is always going to be for him now.”
The Vikings started slow, but their defense, led by Rylan Lidster’s game-changing interception, kept them in the game. Lidster’s pick, a testament to his athleticism and instincts, ignited the Massey offense, setting the stage for a dominant second half. Smith, a force of nature on the ground, showcased his speed and agility, breaking tackles and finding the end zone with ease. His final touchdown, a 19-yard cutback run, was a masterpiece of athleticism, leaving the Kodiaks defenders grasping at air.
The victory was a testament to the Vikings’ resilience and determination. They faced adversity both on and off the field, but they never gave up. Coach Steeves, visibly proud of his team, acknowledged the emotional weight of the game. “It’s great for the seniors to win their final game on this field. For those guys, they spent so many years and hours working here,” he said. “It’s fun because it gives us a little hope for the season and we played really good football today so I’m proud of the effort.”
The Vikings now face their toughest test yet next Friday against the undefeated Oak Park Raiders. Smith, ever the competitor, is ready for the challenge. “I know how they play,” he said. “We know they’re a good team but all we can do is keep our heads down, play as hard as we can and who knows? Maybe we’ll be the first team to score on them.”