Jonathan “Thunder” Bedard Putting the Mini Rouge et Or Youth Football on the Map

The interest in American Football has consistently grown during the past couple of years in Canada. They love the sport and the popularity is only going to increase in the next couple of years. Even though there are some differences in the rules and strategy, the fundamentals remain the same.  Here is a great article about one of Canada’s rising youth football stars.

Name: JONATHAN “THUNDER ” BEDARD

Age: 8 YEAR OLD

League: CANADA SUMMER YOUTH FOOTBALL-MINI ROUGE ET OR

INTRODUCTION

Jonathan Bedard is one of the hottest names in the Canadian youth football league since his first highlights were uploaded on YouTube:

7 Year Old Season Highlights

8 Year Old Season Highlights

Presently, many scouts from different high schools are interested in Jonathan because of his potential. Already, at 8 years old, he is able to kick a  25+  yard field goal. He is able to throw the football with great zip 25+ yards (left hand).  Jonathan could be a valuable offensive and defensive asset to any club due to his size and strength. He is 5 ft and 73 pounds at 8 years old.

BEGINNING 

Versatile athlete, who is born for this sport. His passion started at 4 years old when his father started taking him each Friday night to the Saint-Jean Eudes “Condors” football home games HS D1 AAA. He would also take photos with the players after the game.

He practiced at many different positions with his elementary school and with his older friends until summer 2012. Jonathan then joined the youth football program at Laval University “Titan” category (6-7 year old). The philosophy of this program is really simple. The players must play at any position the team needs. Their focus is to have the kids develop basic instincts about the game of football. In summer 2013, Jonathan played his first tackle summer season against 8, 9 and 10 year olds (novice category) and he enjoyed this challenge!

Also, the Laval program consolidates his recruitment and future CIS ranking. This program is also a feeder/developer for their high school football program in Quebec City,

“MINI-ROUGE ET OR” YOUTH PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS (APRIL TO JULY) SINCE 2001

500 players

9 weekends (Friday night, Saturday, Sunday)

27 schedule practices

no special teams

9 players Def/Off scheme (playbook)

8 games

3 categories

1)Titan category (flag football) 6 and 7 year old

2)Novice category (tackle football) 8, 9 and 10 year old

3)Atome category (tackle football) 10, 11 and 12 year old

2013 JONATHAN SUMMER STATS: (7 TACKLE GAME) WITH U10

QB position: 13 pass completions / 17 attempts ( 8 first downs, 3 TD passes and 2 TD runs)

OCOLOG: 3 fumble recoveries for 70 yards

REC: 6/8  completed for 72 yards, 1 TD

RB: 10 runs for 85 yards

DL: 2 sacks, 1 fumble, 22 direct tackles, 17 combine tackle

LB: 15 direct tackles, 18 combine tackles

DB/C: 7 interceptions,  11 combine tackles and 2 TD picks 

Coach evaluation: “Jonathan is an outstanding young man who works very hard,” said Christopher Lavaud. “He has unlimited potential because he is so talented. Jonathan has a natural instinct for getting open and going for the football.”

JONATHAN PLAYER PROFILE AT 8 YEAR OLD JUNE 2013

 Ht: 5,0

Wt: 73

30 Yards: 5,20 s

FG range: 30 y

Punt range: 35 y

Pass range: 24 y

FUTURE

In the future, he could be used in many different positions. Jonathan will be successful in any position he plays.  He will be rushing the passer and making tackles on defense. He will run for many yards and score many touchdowns for his team on offense.

CONCLUSION

Jonathan plays with a lot of speed and intensity on the football field. He is able to handle tough situations and still make big plays.  In spring 2014, he will play his first 4th grade school football game with the Externat Saint-Jean Berthmans Institution.  He will be a Novice senior year with “Mini Rouge et Or”. Needless to say, big things are in this kid’s future!

Go Thunder Go!