WHS student and family putting in the miles as he pursues his gridiron dreams
Colt Stephens is a 15-year-old on a mission.
Living in Woodstock, where more traditional sports like basketball, hockey, baseball and soccer prevail, Stephens has chosen a different route and excels on the … football field.
He’s suited up the past three seasons as a Linebacker for the Fredericton High School (FHS) Junior Varsity Black Kats. Stephens then does double duty in the spring and early summer as a three-time member of Football New Brunswick’s U14 and U16 Provincial programs.
While attending school in Woodstock, Stephens qualifies to play JV at FHS but cannot play for the varsity. He’d have to transfer schools to Fredericton and billet with a local family to be eligible.
For now, Stephens is entering Grade 10 at Woodstock High School, where, ironically, there isn’t a football program of any kind.
“I played hockey through my first year of Bantam. When the season ended, word got out about football starting up and my dad (Bobby) suggested I give it a try”, Stephens explains.
Organizers hoped enough interest would be generated to grow minor football in the Western Valley. Unfortunately, the program didn’t extend beyond season one.
However, Stephens found options to play in the provincial capital.
“I remember my first practice there. I like to tackle and I hit hard. When older players began encouraging me, I knew I was doing well. The coaches made me a captain for practice sessions”.
We could say a “Linebacker” was born at that very point.
When I Google the position of “linebacker,” I see this: “the most versatile player on defence. They’re thought of as the quarterback of the defence. His role is to read the opposing offence and to call defensive plays and direct shifts and changes based on what the offence is doing. Linebackers are fast and physical”.
Stephens checks in at 5’11” and 170+ lbs. He trains at the AYR Motor Centre four times each week. He’s set a personal long-term goal “to take my game as far as I can. I’d love to play at a University like St. FX or Mount Allison”.
His immediate goals would be to play Varsity football at FHS and make the New Brunswick Football U18 team.
“I have a lot of close friends there now and I’d love to win a provincial championship with the varsity at FHS.”
He understands he needs to continue to work on his game to progress.
“I can be too aggressive sometimes. I like to tackle and I’ve taken penalties for things like roughing the passer after the whistle.”
I’ll add here when it comes to aggressiveness and finishing plays, many a coach has said, ‘I’d rather reel a player in, than have to give him a push.'”
Colt continues, “My football sense isn’t the strongest, but my instinct is good. When I see a play developing on their offence, I can rely on my instincts to make quick adjustments on our defence.”
Time and travel are major challenges for Stephens and his family (Mom Kristen, Dad Bobby, and 12-year-old sister Lexi). Not helping is the fact Stephens is the only player west of Fredericton.
Playing JV at FHS while attending school in Woodstock means five trips to Fredericton each week (four practices, one game) during the fall season.
Secondly, making a provincial football team requires a commitment to weekend travel during the season. The team gathers for practice weekends from spring into July every weekend. The provincial team culminates playing in a tournament against other provinces to test their mettle. Stephens’ NB U16 team played in the Eastern Challenge from July 16 to 21, 2024, at St. FX in Antigonish versus NS, Quebec, and Ontario.
Colt recognizes the significant commitment his family makes. He also recognizes his teammates and drops a few names of coaches: “Coaches like Kevin Cormier, Mike Plume, and Phillip Long have been great. They’re encouraging and make it fun.”
Through the obstacles and major time commitments, Stephens tellingly began and ended our interview by repeating three words, which made me believe he’d achieve the goals he’d set for himself.
“I love football.”
