Gibson and Landry named Tier 2 football MVPs
Thorold’s Tyrese Gibson was named the offensive MVP of the NRHSAA Tier 2 football league
Governor Simcoe’s Lucas Landry and Thorold’s Tyrese Gibson were named the defensive and offensive MVPs of the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association’s Tier 2 football league.
Landry, a defensive end, led his team to an unbeaten regular season and a berth in the championship game against West Niagara and Gibson, a tailback and occasional cornerback, helped his squad to a one-loss regular season and a spot in the semifinals against West Niagara.
Landry was chosen by the league’s five coaches. He received two first-place ballots and was named on all five ballots. Stamford’s Kade Martin was the runner-up and received two first-place votes. Eden’s Charles Krzeczkowski also received a first-place ballot and tied for third with Thorold’s Lucas Smith, who received the second-most votes with four.
“Lucas was a key piece in this year’s defence. He can play both the run and the pass equally as good through his athleticism and speed. He has improved dramatically over the past year as he plays both for Simcoe and the Spears,” Simcoe head coach Jamie Brophy said. “He is a Grade 10 student who has committed himself to outworking others. He never takes a snap off and torments the offensive line through his footwork and strength. The future is so bright for this Redcoat defender. Lucas will be an instrumental piece in next year’s team with the possibility of playing at the next level in years to come. Universities would be lucky to recruit an athlete like Lucas.”
Gibson was named on all five ballots and picked up two first-place votes. Runner-up was Simcoe’s Noah Budgell had one first-place vote. Tying for third and receiving one first-place ballot apiece were Eden’s Wes Wiens and St. Catharines Collegiate’s Lucas Hamilton.
Gibson carried the ball 10-15 times a game and usually had a few receptions. He averaged 70-plus all-purpose yards per game and finished with double digit touchdowns on the season.
“Tyrese has grown so much as a player and more importantly, a young man. He is a leader on our team and has become a positive voice in the locker room and sideline. He picks his teammates up when needed but also encourages and pushes too. This year he has made a commitment to excel in the classroom and on the field,” Thorold head coach Duane Kemp said. “Last year, he struggled with consistency and ball security, and he worked everyday at practice to get better and played Spears this past spring/summer to further his growth. He understands there’s no shortcut to success. This year, with Braedon Genest in the backfield, we had a very solid one-two combination that allowed Tyrese to showcase his talents.
Gibson is so quick and elusive and makes plays when nothing is there.
“This year, OC Bill McGarrigle used him much more in the passing game as a receiver and a blocker picking up blitzes where he was once again a difference maker. We are hopeful Tyrese will return for another year to build on past successes, be a role model for next year’s team before looking at post secondary opportunities in football.”
McGarrigle is also a big fan of Gibson’s, describing him as hard working and very coachable.
“He took a step this year in stretching the field and angles. If he is back next year, he could be dangerous.”
Below are each team’s all-stars and MVPs.
GOVERNOR SIMCOE REDCOATS
All-stars: Budgell, Sam Wilson, Carter Small, Cole Harpwood, Landry, Joey Moore, Edmund Palumbo, Marshall Sumbler, Carter Yates and Nathan Vandermeer.
Offensive MVP: Budgell.
Defensive MVP: Lucas Landry.
THOROLD GOLDEN EAGLES
All-stars: Braedon Genest. HB. 28, Gibson. RB, Jesse Hodgins. NT, Landon Desgagnes DT, Carson DeRoos MLB, Smith. DB, Ryan Custers. C and Owen Haywood. ST/WR.
Offensive MVP: Gibson.
Defensive MVP: Smith.
EDEN FLYERS
All-stars: Brody Payne, Wes Wiens, Ben Enns, Cole Julian, Isaac Leder and Krzeczkowski.
Offensive MVP: Wiens.
Defensive MVP: Krzeczkowski.
STAMFORD HORNETS
All-stars: Matt Pellisero, Martin, Owen Pfielsticker, Cole Middleton and Michael Taylor.
Offensive MVP: Pellisero.
Defensive MVP: Martin.
ST. CATHARINES COLLEGIATE SAINTS
All-stars: Hamilton OL, Raimer Eaton LB, Collin McMillan OL, Ombi Kinga DL and Aaron Goertzen OL.
Offensive MVP: Hamilton.
Defensive MVP: Eaton.
