Leighton Marquardt and Parker Orr continue to shine in the spotlight as they chase their higher respective football dreams.
Both products of the successful South Delta Rams Flag Football program, the offensive lineman and quarterback have continued their journey with their respective high school program with Orr at Vancouver College and Marquardt with the South Delta Sun Devils.
Now both preparing for their Grade 12 seasons, the boys relished in the opportunity to play for Team BC in Regina July 5 to 13 playing in the U18 division of the Canada Cup.
The Canada Cup was an opportunity to showcase players from across Canada and help them possibly get a leg up on the recruiting process for university opportunities both here in Canada and the U.S.
There were multiple identification camps for the Canada Cup with approximately 100 players per camp. Both South Delta players then went to the first wave of try-outs over three days and eventually cut down the team to the final roster of 40 players for Team BC.
The Canada Cup involved a full day of practice and games throughout the week.
Team BC finished seventh at the event with a 1-2 record.
Marquardt and Orr have grown up together in Beach Grove and have been buddies for a longtime. Getting to play together on a high-level team was a great experience as the two are rivals with their respective high schools during the regular season.
“I loved it,” said Orr. “There were 20 different coaches from universities, so that was great talking with all of them. I met a lot of great people who I now consider close friends. Overall, it was worth it.”
Marquardt said it was a 10 out of 10 experience.
“Awesome…great experience,” he said. “Met new friends. People that I have played against and hated, but then you meet them…awesome people and people that you will hang out with forever.”
Both players are busy in the weight room and getting prepared for their high school seasons which will start full practices in mid to late August.
Down the way, Orr wants to play at a university here in Canada.
“My preference is here in Canada either closer to home or back east,” he said. “As long as there is a place where I can play football, that’s where I want to be.”
Marquardt isn’t ruling out university football, but his preference right now is junior football after high school.
“My brother played for the Okanagan Sun, so I want to follow in his footsteps…it’s a great program,” he said.
