Minor Football Gets Riders Supercharged

Story and photos by Robert Thomas

With the Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League (MJMFL) kicking off with two straight weeks of practices there is some added Saskatchewan Roughriders power out on the practice field.

Micah Johnson, a defensive tackle with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and two time Grey Cup champion and three time CFL All-star, was on the sidelines helping out the Moose Jaw Mafia.

Johnson was helping out because his son J C is playing minor football in Moose Jaw this year.

J C is playing in Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League due to his size and rules adopted by the Regina minor football league.

J C’s weight makes him ineligible to play any other position other than offensive line in Regina. Regina’s weight limit is 140 pounds with anyone that weight restricted to playing the offensive line.

J C Johnson goes through the paces at Monday evening’s inaugural practice - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas

Thirteen year old J C is 155 pounds and 6 foot 3 inches.

“The weights worked out better for him to come in from Regina so we gained a really great coach when he (Micah Johnson) is around. Our coaches are super excited to have him on the field with them,” Brian Boys president of the KMJMFL said.

Johnson is already setting of waves in the Moose Jaw program.

“If you look at his (J C’s) size he’s going to be a great football player. He was the talk of the eval (evaluations) for all of our players Boys said, adding “he’s someone new. He looks the part so it is very exciting.”

“We are just fortunate enough to pick up another great football player and a coach that will be here when he can be.”

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Micah Johnson helping out with Monday evening’s practice - MJ Independent photo by Robert Thomas

Boys said Johnson’s presence shows that word of mouth is helping the league prosper and grow.

“Obviously our league and our rules are getting out there to other people from out of town who are checking to see what we are doing,” he said.

“We are getting people to come in here. We have a really good program. I think our rules are sound and it’s fair for everyone. If you want to come here and play football Moose Jaw might be for you.”

Boys said he didn’t see Johnson helping to coach other teams in the U14 division due to the division’s competitiveness but the league was hopeful to see other Riders potentially show up.

“Maybe we can get him (Micah Johnson) to bring up some of his buddies (from the Roughriders). I know we have some really great guys in the program we’d like to see come out.”