A Rebel’s last ride for west Edmonton high school football

By Tyler Loutan

EDMONTON — As the Raymond Comets quarterback put his knee down to run out the final seconds, Dylan Bodnar stood on the other side of the scrimmage line, knowing he was wearing the red helmet and black jersey of the Jasper Place Rebels for the last time.

But as the Rebels walked off the field and into the dressing room, Bodnar couldn’t help but feel proud of what the Rebels had achieved.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Bodnar said with calm confidence, as he reflected on his three years as a Rebel. “I gave it my all and I’m happy with what I put in.”

Since the playoffs started, Bodnar knew that every game he played could potentially be his last game as a Rebel, being in Grade 12 at Jasper Place High School.

“We played with lots of emotion every game on every play,” Bodnar said. “Every game felt like our last and it was motivation to make it the best it can be.”

Bodnar said Jasper Place kept pace with the Comets until the second half when the Rebels’ starting quarterback left the game with an injury. The Rebels were unable to take control with the change of game plan.

“It was so awesome to have the family and team supporters come all the way down to Raymond just to support us,” Bodnar said about the positives of his final game. “After the game, the coaches thanked the team for a great season and what we accomplished.”

The Raymond Comets went on to play the Harry Ainlay Titans in the Alberta Bowl. The Titans won in overtime, 21-16.

Bodnar has come a long way from playing football in the backyard with his family to trying out in Grade 10 with no formal football experience. Most Rebel players come from amateur football clubs around the city, but Bodnar, a defensive back who stands five feet seven inches and weighs 150 pounds, worked hard to make the team.

“I remember the first time coming to tryouts and thinking how intimidating it was,” said Bodnar. “It was like, ‘Wow, all these guys are here to do the same thing I want to do.’ ”

Bodnar played one junior year and two senior years as a defensive back for Jasper Place, winning one junior championship with his team and playing in two city championships in the senior program.

“We were a great team,” Bodnar said. “We had great individuals that I’ll never forget because we shared these experiences together.”

But Bodnar’s greatest accomplishment may have more to do with the classroom than the football field, as he managed to juggle both school and football, and keep grades as his top priority.

“[Bodnar is] going be a successful kid in the real world,” said Ryan David, Rebels head coach. “He doesn’t say a lot and he’s not a physically imposing guy, but he works his hardest every time. He’s a role model, takes care of his academics, worked hard every game, and he was an absolute pleasure to coach.”

Now that the season and high school football are over for Bodnar, he looks forward to what’s next in life. He aims to finish Grade 12 with high marks to get into the University of Alberta to study computer engineering. He may try out for the U of A Golden Bears too, but only if it doesn’t interfere in his class schedule.

“Football taught me a lot about being a better person, being in better physical condition and progressing as an athlete,” said Bodnar. “Thanks to the coaches, team, my family and all the support that’s got me this far. I look forward to going on to bigger and hopefully better things.”