There will be one last opportunity to play four down football in Texas next month before Michael Calvert turns all his attention back to the Canadian version of the game for the next chapter of his career.
The Grade 12 quarterback from Tsawwassen will be playing for Team Canada at the International Bowl — slated for Jan. 11-18 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Calvert was named to the roster based on his play for Team B.C. at last summer’s Canada Cup in Nova Scotia. He then will head out on recruiting trips to universities in Ontario, Saskatchewan and perhaps other provinces too to determine his destination next fall.
Seventeen USport schools have reached out to Calvert following an outstanding high school career that concluded with him becoming the first South Delta Sun Devil in the last 25 years to be named Provincial Offensive MVP at the “AAA” level.
Calvert thrived in Mark McDonald’s offence this past season — throwing for 33 touchdowns and 2,775 yards in 10 games. That’s 14 and over 1,000 more respectively than his nearest rival. For good measure, he was also sixth in the province in rushing with 751 more yards.
“It’s a big honour,” he said of the award. “I consider it a team award for our entire offence and it shows all the hard work we put in paid off. If I could, I would divide the trophy into 10 pieces and share it with them.”
Calvert says he has shortened his list of potential schools to some degree but it will be the official visits that will determine his final decision.
“Right now, I’m open to everything. Connecting with all the players and the team is important to me. I will be spending the next four or five years with these guys,” he continued.
“I like Tsawwassen. It’s my roots in everything but I think it would be good to go out and expand to different places. But even if I did stay here I would be happy with everything. Wherever I choose I know its going to be the right fit for me.”
That right fit means continuing his career at quarterback.
Calvert admits some schools have approached him about changing positions at the university level and use his athleticism elsewhere. During his time at South Delta, he also played some safety, receiver and returned kicks, especially in his Grade 10 year. However, he also more than proved what he is capable of under centre. He was also a provincial team all-star quarterback as a Grade 11.
“I have gone through my life playing quarterback and I feel it’s my kind of thing,” said the former South Delta Rams community ball standout.
“I like having control and being able to have the game in my hands. I feel like I was meant to play it. If some teams don’t see me as a quarterback at the next level then its another person I will have to prove wrong in my football journey. I have been told that by a few people. But I feel like its the best I can help team. I have a strong arm and I’m mobile. I also passed more in the pocket this season. I defined my quarterback traits instead of just being an athlete back there.”
Calvert’s high school career ended in heartbreaking fashion as the Sun Devils fell 52-45 to the New West Hyacks. It marked the second straight year they lost in the semi-finals to the eventual champion after falling to Terry Fox by a single point a year earlier.
Despite the tough outcome, it was a vastly different game than four weeks earlier when the top ranked Hyacks embarrassed South Delta 63-16. The Devils rebounded with playoff wins over Mission and Lord Tweedsmuir before making a furious second half comeback against New West that just fell short.
“(Michael) gave it his everything in (that game). He ran the ball, he passed the ball – everything we asked of him he did and even with guys draped all over him he was still able to make plays,” said Sun Devils head coach Ray Moon. “He is a great player and we hope he continues his football at the next level.”
