The Morweena Raptors Varsity soccer team have continued their dynasty run by winning yet another Manitoba High School Athletics Association Zone V Championship.
On Oct. 1, the Raptors downed the Stonewall Rams 4-2 in extra time to win their fourth consecutive Zone V title, making it one of the greatest championship runs in league history.
This year, they did it by going undefeated in regular season play. Their only real scare was in the championship when they trailed 2-1 before tying it up in the 85th minute. Then, they went on to score twice in extra time for the victory.
“It’s been really cool,” said coach Ormando Reimer. “By now, we’ve got the confidence, and we’re starting to expect it, but sometimes it’s more challenging than other times. Every year it seems like we’re going to lose these five key grade 12’s or however many people but every year the grade 11’s from the previous year step up and new grade 9’s come in. There’s always people to replace the people who leave.”
This year’s grade 12s certainly played their role in winning, but it was a full group effort that ultimately led them to triumph.
Reimer said the Raptors had offensive contributions across the entire lineup, which enabled them to put anyone on the field and still get positive results.
“One of our big keys to success was we had weapons and production from everyone,” said Reimer. “It makes it so much easier knowing that even if we take our best four players off the field, there is still another bunch that can score goals.”
And many of those goal scorers are set to return next season to make it five in a row.
The Raptors will lose only five of 18 players from this year’s team as grade 12’s Keandre Fox, Philip Harder, Leandro Klassen, Ashton Kornelson and Tobias Wall are graduating.
Though the five absences will leave a definite hole in the team and off the field, Reimer is confident his returning group has the talent and now experience to keep the team’s future in good hands.
“It’s been incredible to coach them. They are incredible athletes and people, so I’m thankful for the work and effort they put in and the leadership they provide. I’m confident we can remain a top team because I was able to put forward a pretty much grade 10 and 11 squad and we were still able to perform. With those 10’s and 11’s aging up next year, they are going to be what we need to take home wins,” said Reimer.
The 2025 Raptors soccer season is expected to begin in mid-September 2025.
