Team Sask. raising the trophy at the U17 Western Challenge. (Submitted Photo/Brooke Johnson)

By Austin Mattes

Reed Johnson

Local O-lineman turns heads as Team Sask. takes U17 Western Title

Jul 16, 2025 | 12:50 PM

In just his first year playing offensive line, 6-5, 220-pound Reed Johnson from the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings helped lead Team Saskatchewan to victory at the U17 Western Challenge. The tournament was held in Kelowna, B.C., from July 6–11.

Johnson, one of the province’s top 40 football players born in 2009, was selected to Team Sask. after a rigorous four-step tryout process that began in May. Despite his limited experience at the position, Johnson not only made the team but earned a starting spot on the offensive line.

Team Saskatchewan defeated host British Columbia 22–10 in their opening game and followed it up with a championship win over Alberta, 28–17, to capture the U17 Western Challenge title.

Johnson posing with his Vikings helmet and trophy after the win. (Submitted Photo/Brooke Johnson)

For Johnson, the journey from a first-year offensive lineman to Western Challenge champion was both unexpected and rewarding.

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“It was intimidating going into tryouts,” Johnson said. “Not really playing the position for very long and playing with all these guys that have done all this before, it was fresh but fun.”

Though new to the o-line, Johnson quickly found his place amongst the team.

“I didn’t know a whole lot of people, but once I got there, meeting all the guys, it turned out to be a really good experience. Starting was definitely a positive,” he said. “Previously, I was always playing against these guys and had kind of that rivalry but being able to come together for a short amount of time and really becoming a strong team, just to be able to hold that trophy with my teammates that I met just weeks ago felt great.”

Johnson (#66) with a big lead block for his running back. (Submitted Photo/Brooke Johnson)

Johnson began his football journey in Grade 5 with the Battlefords Minor Football Bucks, originally as a running back. His development was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a broken collarbone. This past season, he made the decision to switch to the offensive line — a move that clearly paid off.

“I took the chance to switch, and I guess it worked out,” Johnson said.

However, his debut on the national stage wasn’t without nerves.

“I knew it was going to be a higher level of football than I’ve played and the nerves were really kicking in,” he said. “But once I started playing it was awesome. I feel like the best way was just to get into the game, go out there and hit somebody as hard as you can.”

Johnson also credited the experience as the toughest competition he’s faced yet.

“I definitely thought it was going to be a really big challenge, but once we got our confidence up, we started running the ball and got things going,” he said. “It was great, but definitely the toughest football I’ve ever played.”

Next up for Johnson is the Saskatoon Hilltops Camp in August, as he continues his development and builds on what has been a breakthrough year in his football journey.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes