Aird and Suntz named Tier 2 football MVPs
Thorold quarterback Mark Suntz (14) was named offensive MVP of the Tier 2 football league.
Westlane’s Keynan Aird and Thorold’s Mark Suntz were named the offensive and defensive MVPs of the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association Tier 2 football league.
“Keynan Aird is a generational talent. He possesses a rare work ethic and passion for football,” Westlane head coach Dean Mazzone said. “Keynan is a born leader who raises the play of others around him. His ongoing commitment to training has been remarkable and his experience playing for both the Niagara Spears and Canada Prep Academy teams have made him a highly skilled and knowledgeable player, clearly superior to his peers.”
Mazzone described Aird as physically dominant and possessing the ability to consistently overwhelm opposing players.
“His presence positively impacted our entire team. With Keynan on the field, our defence allowed only 12 points and he was responsible for scoring two defensive touchdowns. Having him out there was like having a coach on the field. His ability to make quick reads, diagnose plays and provide instructions to his teammates was invaluable,” he said. “I am not alone in my high praise for Keynan as his abilities are actively being sought after at the next level and he will be the first player that I have had the privilege of coaching who will accept an offer to play football in the United States.”
Suntz led the Thorold to an unbeaten season against Tier 2 programs and helped the Golden Eagles come close in the championship game against the Tier 1 Centennial Cougars.
“Mark is a complete football player. He has all the physical traits. He’s a big strong kid with a cannon for an arm,” Thorold offensive coordinator Bill McGarrigle said. “A competitor, he is constantly trying to better himself and the team around him. Mark’s a leader on and off the field and will truly be missed but he’s left the program in a better place.”
Below is the complete list of team’ all-stars and offensive and defensive MVPs:
GOVERNOR SIMCOE REDCOATS
All-stars: Noah Budgell, Samuel Wilson, Carter Small, Lucas Landry, Nathan Vandermeer and Joseph Moore,
Offensive and defensive MVPs: Small and Wilson.
ST. CATHARINES COLLEGIATE SAINTS
All-stars: Colton Joyce OL/FB, Lucas Hamilton DL/OL, Cole Adshead QB, Connor Hammond WR, Patrick Burse DE/OL, Seth Brown DB.
Team offensive and defensive MVPS: Joyce and Hamilton.
STAMFORD HORNETS
All-stars: Anesu Lundy, Zack Medford, Owen Pfilsticker, Kade Martin, T.S. Johnson and Jack Clarke.
Team offensive and defensive MVPS: Lundy and Martin.
THOROLD GOLDEN EAGLES
All-stars: Mark Suntz QB, Lucas Friesen SB, Tyrese Gibson RB, Ethan Belward OL, Carter Wilkinson OL/DL, Kyle Davidson HB, Tron Locke SB, Parker Lowes. LB.
Team offensive and defensive MVPS: Suntz and Davidson.
WESTLANE SPARTANS
All-stars: Anthony Grimo, Thomas Woodruff, Jacob Ranger, Kyle Herrera, Drake Antic and Keynan Aird.
Team offensive and defensive MVPS: Ranger and Aird.
