NFL Canada recognizes Riffel QB Xavier Gatin

Riffel Royals quarterback Xavier Gatin is the latest winner of the CFL Canada Way To Play Award. (Submitted photo/Xavier Gatin)

The national spotlight shone on Riffel Royals quarterback Xavier Gatin on Sunday during TSN’s NFL coverage.

Gatin was selected as the weekly winner of the NFL Canada Way To Play contest for a remarkable play in a recent Regina Intercollegiate Football League game at Mosaic Stadium.

Taking a snap on the eight-yard line, Gatin was forced out of the pocket by the pass rush. He scrambled to his left, set his feet and then unleashed an amazing cross-body throw which resulted in a Riffel touchdown. The video of the play is online.

This season, NFL Canada has been selecting winners each week, until November 16, with one submitted video selected and featured on TSN.ca. The award is given to a player who exemplifies proper playing technique.

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In addition to the national recognition, the high school of each award recipient will receive a $3,000 equipment grant administered by Football Canada. The award is designed to invest in Canadian high school and CEGEP tackle football programs while reinforcing good playing technique.

Players or their supporters are asked to submit videos of plays demonstrating things like proper tackling, blocking, footwork, discipline or vision. Gatin was nominated by Riffel coach Derek Pilon.

Gatin and the Royals return to the field on Friday when they play the Miller Marauders in the RHSAA 6A City championship game at Mosaic Stadium.

The winner of the contest, between the No. 1-ranked Marauders and the No. 3-ranked Royals, advance to the 6A SHSAA Provincial championship game on Nov. 8 at SMF Field in Saskatoon.