Marwick honours missing No. 88
Jaeden Marwick would rather call Alex Thompson’s number than wear it.
But given the adverse circumstances, Marwick — the Winston Knoll Wolverines’ starting quarterback — felt compelled to make the best of the situation after Thompson, his team’s most dangerous receiver, suffered a season-ending knee injury.
As a show of support and respect, Marwick wrote Thompson’s initials on his left wristband.
Thompson’s number (88) appeared on Marwick’s other wristband when the Wolverines faced the Balfour Redmen in Regina Intercollegiate Football League action on Friday at Leibel Field.
“I have to dedicate this win to him,’’ Marwick said after the Wolverines’ 24-14 Schwann Conference victory.
“He’s such a leader on our team. It’s tough to lose him.’’
Thompson, who had formed a lethal pass-catch combination with Marwick, was injured in the first half of a Sept. 20 game against the Campbell Tartans, who won 30-29.
“He’s a great teammate and a great warrior,’’ Marwick said.
“He’s a playmaker who we can throw anything to, but we have a lot of guys on our team who can go for a touchdown at any time.
“But I sure miss him. We’ve been playing on the same football team since we were in atom.’’
In Thompson’s absence, Marwick picked up some of the offensive slack by rushing 16 times for 175 yards.
He also completed 10 of 24 passes for 115 yards, including a scoring strike to Menedum Menegbo.
“I got so tired ... unbelievable,’’ Marwick said with a smile.
“No wonder we do all the conditioning in practice. It pays off.’’
Friday’s game was tied 14-14 in the fourth quarter before Paul Anitckin kicked a field goal with 3:04 left to put the Wolverines ahead for the duration.
The field goal was set up by an interception by linebacker Taylor Barton.
Timely gains by Menegbo and Matt Pederson then put the Wolverines in fieldgoal range.
Ryan Serbu had one of the Redmen’s biggest plays, returning an interception for a touchdown.
Winston Knoll improved its record to 2-2. Balfour dropped to 1-2.
In the nightcap at Leibel Field, the Riffel Royals improved their record to 2-2 by defeating the Miller Marauders 48-6. Miller is 0-3.
At 3-0, Campbell and the LeBoldus Golden Suns are tied for top spot in the RIFL’s 4A loop.
Riffel and Winston Knoll are next in line, deadlocked for third.
In the Stewart Conference (3A), the O’Neill Titans lead the circuit with a 4-0 record after Thursday’s 73-0 victory over the Johnson Wildcats.
The resurgent Thom Trojans are second at 3-1, followed by the Notre Dame Hounds and Luther Lions at 2-2.
The way things are shaping up, the Stewart Conference’s Oct. 19 regular-season finale between O’Neill and Thom will determine first place.
O’Neill is gunning for its third consecutive city title.