After last week's action, there is a tie atop the Prairie Football Conference standings. The Regina Thunder and Saskatoon Hilltops both have 3-1 records after Saskatoon shaded Regina 18-15 at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday night.
Thunder Offensive Lineman Caleb Barajas has been with Thunder for two seasons after attending Ventura College in California. In addition to playing in the PFC, Barajas has also been practicing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders this season.
I asked the soon-to-be 22-year-old about the setback in Saskatoon last week.
“I mean, we're just keeping that identity that we cemented at the end of last season, run heavy. We had little setbacks this past game, but we're looking to move past that and make adjustments.”
Barajas has the benefit of working with some talented running backs who continue to rack up rushing yards.
“Yeah, it's awesome to have a running back like that behind an O-line like this, right? The depth is crazy. We've got three different running backs who can carry the ball anytime. And it helps us up front and have that confidence.”
After the loss to Saskatoon, Barajas agreed that they used the word ‘rebound’ after the game.
“A lot of words were said. But yeah, I think that was the main thing: just don't look too much into all the officiating or the refs. Just control what we can and move past it.”
Barajas, a second-year offensive lineman with the Thunder, admits that despite winning the PFC last year, there is unfinished business.
“I've just had that chip on my shoulder before I knew what was happening here, the rivalries and all that. And I mean, this year, I've been trying to put it on the guys like we are the team to do it. Like there's no ifs, ands or buts about it.”
In addition to playing with the Thunder, Barajas has spent the season practicing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, an opportunity that he has thoroughly enjoyed.
“It's such an honour and a privilege, like sitting behind guys like Yoshi, Ferland, McEwen, like smartest dudes in the league, right? Like just trying to learn from them and bring what I can to the Thunder and learn from them.”
The Regina Thunder program is very close to Roughriders’ centre Logan Ferland, as his journey to the pros started with the team. Barajas hopes to take a similar path.
“Yeah, he gives guys like me a lot of confidence. You know that you can take that junior route, and you don't have to go to university, or you don't have to be some top recruit somewhere. It's a blessing.”
As for what Barajas has taken away from his time with the Riders, he says there is a lot to choose from.
“It's a lot to it, right? But really enjoy the moment. Like, there aren't many opportunities to play football your whole life. Just enjoy the moment right now and learn from it.”
In other action last week. Calgary’s Lucas Hyrniuk hit a 52-yard field goal in the final minute to lift the Colts to a 26-25 win in Winnipeg. At the same time, the Huskies edged the Wildcats 24-20 in an all-Edmonton match-up.
Week five will see the Regina Thunder host the 2-and-2 Winnipeg Rifles Sunday at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field. Saskatoon travels to Calgary to face the 2-and-2 Colts. AND the Huskies and Wildcats will wrap up their back-to-back series, with the teams sporting 1-and-3 records.
And that’s the Junior Football Report, I’m Dave Thomas
