Talking QB's

The coaching staff for Unmatched Football Academy (UFA) sit down to discuss their new company! The coaches talk about their backgrounds and experience coaching the game and how running developmental camps together will benefit the youth in Manitoba! We go into depth about each coaches role and responsibilities within the business and plans for the future! Coach Gies says farewell to Big Air Academy and puts the podcast on pause for the time being, this and much more on the full podcast!

Returning guest and owner of Pinnacle Football Academy Bryce Coutts, joins Coach Gies for a fantastic QB centric episode! The Coaches talk in depth about QB training and Coach Coutts creating Pinnacle with his wife. The coaches discuss NCAA playoffs as well as NFL Firings and QB matchups for the Wildcard playoff games. Coach Coutts breaks down some drills and talks passing concepts that helped his Vancouver College Fighting Irish to a championship in 2022! This and much more!

Three former guests of the show (Kris Johnston, Eric Yuen and Stefan Hirsch) join Coach Gies to talk about the College Football playoffs and much more. The coaches share insights and details about their own seasons in 2022 along with their take on the coaching and QB play taking place in the NCAA and NFL. Tune in for another great episode!

Winnipeg Rifles graduating QB Bryson McNeil joins Coach Gies, to talk about his journey in the game. Bryson shares his background growing up in an athletic family and all the support that his family have given him throughout the years. Bryson talks about playing Terminator football for the Eastside Eagles as a youngster and his epic 98 yard Touchdown run in the championship game! Coach Gies asks Bryson about his time playing High School and Majors football, Bryson credits coaches Tom Walls, Robin Mead and Barry Berard for mentoring him into the player and man he is today. Bryson shares insight about the past two seasons playing QB for The Winnipeg Rifles, which Coach Gies was the first QB to play for the junior program in its inaugural season in 2002-2004. Bryson talks about the growing pains of being a young team in 2021 and his offseason training with Big Air Academy and at F45 with Coach Ryan Marsh. Bryson speaks positively about the 2022 season and beating The Saskatoon Hilltops 19-16 in a fantastic game and accomplishment for the program! This and much more!

WR Ethan Schnerch joins Coach Gies to talk about his background in the game! Ethan talks about his early days growing up in Winnipeg and playing for the Valour Patriots, then moving on to play at DMCI for the Maroons football team and having a very successful high school career! Ethan shares some insight on his off season training and what has helped him improve. Ethan discusses the move to North Dakota to play for the Mayville State Comets and how his season and adjustment to life on campus went this past year. This and much more on another great podcast!

Vincent Massey Brandon QB Justin Sharp, joins Sturgeon Heights WR, Jarome Penner on the 45th episode of the show. Coach Gies interviews the duo and they chat about each of their seasons leading up to the Championship game. Justin and Jarome share their memories and thoughts from the Division 2 Championship game that went into overtime! Coach Gies inquires to the youngsters about their future plans with school and football. The group finish off the episode about their thoughts on the Grey Cup and Vanier Cup!

Dakota Lancers QB Coach Brad Sarna joins Coach Gies in the first half of the episode. Brad talks about returning to coach in 2021, his outstanding QB's on the Lancers roster, his excitement to coach in the 3A Division 1 Championship game vs. The St.Pauls Crusaders Saturday November 13th!! In the second half of the episode Coach Gies is joined by St.Pauls Crusaders Offensive Line Coach, Brandon Michalow. Brandon shares his background as a player and how his passion for the game translated into coaching at an early age. Brandon feels confident in his Crusaders for the upcoming Championship game and takes the Bombers in the upcoming CFL West semi-final!

Former University of Alberta Quarterback, Brad Launhardt joins Coach Gies to talk about his background in the game! Brad shares his early days playing community level football and becoming a QB. He shares his high school story and playing in The North vs South Senior bowl of his graduating year. Brad talks fondly about playing for The Edmonton Huskies of the CJFL and his huge season in 2016 breaking records and having great success! Brad talks about his career playing for the UofA and so much more!

University of Regina Rams QB, Josh Donnelly joins Coach Gies to chat about his background in the game. Josh talks about his family and his love for Basketball as a youngster. Josh speaks fondly about his High School career at Dr. Martin Leboldus and growing up watching outstanding QB's play for the program before him. Josh mentions his path playing for Team Sask at the U16, U18 levels and then having the opportunity to play for U19 Team Canada! Josh talks about his decision to attend The University of Regina and gives us insight on his playing career to date. This and much more on the full length podcast!

Manitoba Bison RB Coach, Jeff Ready joins Coach Gies to talk about his background in the game! Coach Ready shares his story as a player playing at River East High School and then on to The East Side Eagles Major and Senior teams. Coach talks about transitioning at a young age and going from player to coach. He shares his coaching career being at River East HS, Kildonan East HS, Sisler HS, East Side Majors, The Winnipeg Rifles, U16 Team Manitoba and now with the Manitoba Bisons! Coach Ready gives insight on becoming the RB Coach at the Bisons and talks fondly about the great group of backs his has to work with in the program. The coaches talk about a busy week in the NFL and some QB trades. This and much more!

West Kildonan Wolverines HC, Russell Wallace joins Coach Gies to talk about his journey in the game as both a player and a coach! Coach Wallace shares his background in soccer and basketball as a youth and beginning to play football when he entered High School at Maples Collegiate. Russ being a former RB, talks fondly about his time as a player at Maples and then how he quickly transitioned into coaching for the program while still playing at the Major level for both The East side Eagles and The North Winnipeg Nomads, all while attending university. Russ talks about his lengthly coaching career beginning in 2005 and the many stops along the way, speaking highly of many great coaches in the province that he was able to work with. Coach talks about how he ended up taking over the West K program in 2016 being a teacher on staff and having the late Neville Scarlett, as a mentor and friend. Coach goes into depth about the 2021 football season and his Wolverines winning the Division 3 Championship! Tune in for a great episode with a great coach!

Coach Ollie (Manitoba Bisons DB Coach) joins Coach Gies for another awesome interview talking about the 2021 Bison football season! Coach Ollie goes into detail about his young group of lock down defenders. They chat about his role in recruiting for The Herd. Coach gives insight on some aspects of recruiting that the young players and parents should know about the process. Coach Gies asks Coach Ollie about his game day role with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and how that came to be, along with his perspective on the hire of Billy Nappier for both gents favourite NCAA team, The Florida Gators! Tune in for this and much more!

Winnipeg High School football coaches Eric Yuen (RB/Co OC, Oak Park HS) and Jason Huclack (OC/WR, Vincent Massey HS) join Coach Gies for a special Super bowl episode. The coaches talk about their past season together coaching the VMC JV offence under HC Kris Johnston. Eric talks about why he has decided to join the OPHS Varsity staff, working alongside Coach Gies and Jason talks about staying loyal to the great group of coaches he has to work with at VMC. We talk about current CFL signings and both gents share insight on their Fav NFL teams and what they need to do this offseason. We talk about the super bowl match up and the coaches share their game and score predictions. We finish off the episode by playing the Receiver jersey number game! Tune in for another outstanding episode!

RB and Special teams Coach, Ryan Soroka from The Fargo South Bruins, joins Coach Gies to talk about his unique situation coaching football in Canada for close to 30 years and now being down south coaching in Fargo, North Dakota. Coach Soroka shares his background playing community football for both Charleswood and Cresentwood, then going on to play his High School football for legendary Coach Ron Gustafson at Grant Park High School. Ryan talks about immediately getting into coaching after his playing days were over, coaching community club football up until 1996. Coach Soroka then joins his alma mater coaching Defensive Backs and Special Teams at Grant Park before making the move to Oak Park High School in 2005! Coach spent nearly 15 years with the Raiders program winning multiple 3A Championships along side of his good friends (HC) Stu Nixon, Ian Holland, Dave Black, Austin Harvey and George McFall. Tune in for another great episode!

CJFL 2021 National Champion WR (Langley Rams), Alex France joins Coach Gies to talk about his team's epic redemption season! Alex shares his background being born in England and moving to Canada in 2010. Alex talks about his fond memories of his time playing football for The Interlake Thunder program, he reminisces about players and coaches that stick out to him from that time. Alex and Coach Gies talk about their time together in 2016 and the spring of 2017 before Alex decided to take his skills out to Langley to play for the Rams of the BCFC. Alex tells his story and career playing for the Rams and much more!

Manitoba Bisons QB1 Des Catellier joins Coach Gies to talk about his background coming from Calgary, Alberta. Des shares his come up in the game, having success at the High School level playing for power house St.Francis. Des shares the dynamics of football in Alberta and how he played as much ball as he could, leading Team Alberta in the Canada Cup which lead to the opportunity to play for Team Canada. The guys get into his decision to play for the Manitoba Bisons in 2016. Des talks extensively about his playing career thus far for Manitoba, battling injuries along the way but continuing to work his tail off to improve and get better in every way possible. Coach Gies asks Des about his time in 2019 training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and much more! Tune in for an outstanding episode with the leader of the Herd!

Oak Park High School's Head Football coaches, Stu Nixon and Chris Ollson join Coach Gies for a phenomenal episode! The Coaches chat about their backgrounds playing and coaching, they speak fondly of Gil Bramwell who created the Oak Park Football program and was the original Head Coach. Coach Nixon speaks about what the common denominator was to the championship teams (2007/2009/2014) he coached during his tenor at Oak Park. Coach Ollson shares how he developed his own philosophies to teaching and coaching throughout the years but carries on the dedication, desire, determination, attitude and tenacity (DDDAT) that was engrained in him from his time as a player in the program but mostly from his time working with Coach Nixon!

Head Coaches Kris Johnston (VMC JV) and Stefan Hirsch (ESE Majors/U16) join Coach Gies for a fun episode talking about their past seasons in 2021. They chatted about the changing landscape of NCAA football, talking about the transfer portal, name Image and likeness (NIL), and what effect that has on the athlete. The coaches discuss the National Championship game, Kirby vs Nick, and who they think will get the victory! Finishing off the episode they talk about current events in the NFL with the passing of John Madden, Ben Roethlisberger playing his last home game at Heinz Field and the ongoing Antonio Brown saga!

Winnipeg Blue Bomber Super Fan, El Tony Tones (aka Tony Carvalho) joins Coach Gies to talk about the Bombers recent Grey cup victory! Tony shares his background and where his love and passion of the Blue Bombers comes from and the evolution of becoming a Super Fan and creating his character. Tony talks about playing touch football in the PIT Football League with Coach Gies for The Hojo Express!!! Tony and Coach Gies talk about the long list of Bomber free agents and much more!

To kickoff season 2, QB Coach, Bryce Coutts from Alliance QB Academy joins Coach Gies for an extensive chat on QB play. Coach Coutts speaks about his playing career and mentors that helped him along the way. They chat about their philophies on QB training, and maintaining a connection with their players year round. Coach Coutts takes Coach Gies on a deep dive into the world of todays QB mechanics, and they finish off by chatting about current NFL QB's and Lincoln Riley taking the Head Coaching job at USC!

7 Big Air QB's join Coach Gies to talk about their individual journeys in 2021! Interlake Thunder QB, Josh Charison talks about deciding to play junior football in the BCFC for The Valley Huskers. River East and Team Toba QB Zach Topping talks about his opportunity this fall at Canada Prep! Tommy Walls joins us from his current summer tour in the USA, and Riley Naujoks talks about making the move from the starting job with the Winnipeg Rifles to a new situation with The Manitoba Bisons. QB's Thomas Hubbard, Nathan Leiteo and Kyle Logan talk about being in camp with the Winnipeg Rifles and their upcoming inter squad game! Lastly Coach Gies addresses the lack of proper QB footwork, and some perspective on leadership in our community.

Former Winnipeg Rifles standout receivers Kurt Goodrich and Julian Banares join Coach Gies to talk about their backgrounds in the game! Both pass catchers share their early beginnings playing community club football in Winnipeg! We talk about their High School football days and how we all connected at the Provincial team level many years ago. Kurt shares his real reason why he decided to retire from the game and Julian talks about finding flag football as a competitive outlet after finishing his junior career, being able to represent both Manitoba and Team Canada at the national level!

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Long snapper and Linebacker Mike Bensen joins Coach Gies to talk about his journey in the game. Mike shares his humble beginnings playing multiple sports and realizing early in his high school career that he had great talent in the game of football. Mike talks about winning a High School Championship at St.Pauls High School in 2003 and speaks highly of Head Coach Stacy Dainard. Mike tells his unique story after high school where he took time off from the game to go backpacking, coming back home to play Major and then CJFL football which led him to the University of Acadia and being signed as a free agent by Edmonton of the CFL. Mike shares great insight of the mindset it takes to play both at the USports and the professional level!

Coach Gies interviews former CFL vets Shawn Gallant (11 year pro) and Cory Huclack (x2 Grey Cup Champ), telling their football stories and growing up in their families. We talk about the importance of the multi sport athlete, earning a living in the CFL playing special teams and we discuss how they adapted to the pandemic. An absolutely entertaining episode from start to finish!!!

Vincent Massey Vikings, Head Coach, Mike Steeves and his Quarterback Justin Sharp join Coach Gies to talk about their backgrounds in the game! We chat about MIke's 87 Championship season, Justin's incredible body transformatiion and his dedication to improving everyday. We talk about the return of the CFL, and expectations for the upcoming season!

Simon Fraser University QB Coach, Jay Prepchuk joins Coach Gies to talk about the inner workings of successfully coaching the QB and team! Coach Prepchuk shares great insights into building relationships with his players and we talk about how we as coaches can create positive environments through our mindset and body language that allow for our players to be comfortable and enjoy the experience! We finish the episode by playing another fun game of the "QB jersey game!"

Head Coach of The Manitoba Fearless Brett MacFarlane, and his former LB Isabelle McDonald join Coach Gies to talk about Women's football in Manitoba. We talk backgrounds, where ironically both Brett and Isabelle both grew up in Woodlands, Manitoba. They both share their stories in the game, what first drew them in and people that mentored them throughout their respective journeys. Isabelle caps off the episode sharing her new football adventure going across the pond to play for The Manchester Titans!

Montreal Allouettes LB and Co-founder of Pro Prep Academy, DJ Lalama, joins Coach Gies to talk about the ups and downs throughout his football career. DJ shares his early football days as a Running-back in youth football for the Fort Garry Lions. He talks about the step up to High School football at St.Pauls and making the switch to the defensive side of the ball. We go through his provincial team success, recruiting process to Western University and then returning home to play the remainder of his collegiate career with the UofM Bisons. DJ shares very interesting stories about attending New York Giants mini camp, being the last pick in the CFL Draft and he talks about attending CFL training camps with Edmonton and Montreal!

Former Calgary Stampeders QB and future MD, Andrew Buckley joins Coach Gies to share his unique football story. Andrew talks about his early days in football, the success of winning "back to back" High School Provincial Championship's at Rundle College. Andrew shares that he was a late bloomer, as he was cut from The Alberta Provincial teams and did not receive much recruiting interest for Universities and Junior programs. We talk about choosing to play at home for The Calgary Dinos and how Andrew worked his way up from the #8 QB on the depth chart to lead an amazing career full of team and personal success and accolades. Andrew shares his draft day experience being selected as the last pick (7th round, #62 pick) of the 2015 draft by The Calgary Stampeders and his respect and admiration for HC Dave Dickensen!

Former Bison RB and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Focus Fitness AJ Zeglen, joins Coach Gies along with Winnipeg Rifles Specialty Teams Coordinator, Graeme Jones. AJ and Jonesy talk about growing up in the game of football, we discuss the state of their NFL teams after the draft and talk about the importance of the Canadian game. We reminisce about the 1998 Championship game and we stress how important those years are for a young athlete!

Coach Giesbrecht's cousin and former CJFL/Usports QB Jeremy Joseph or better known today as "Sweet Daddy Soul" chats about his unique background in football and wrestling. We rank the Top 5 QB's for the upcoming NFL draft, talk about the CFL potential start date in August and the potential of an XFL merger. Sweet Daddy Soul gives great insight about the ups and downs of football, wrestling and life and how fighting through adversity builds character for personal growth. Thank you Cuz, for a fantastic episode!

Winnipeg Rifles QB Coach Ryan Marsch and Manitoba Bison D Line Coach Shaquille Armstrong join Coach Gies to share their backgrounds coming up in the game of football. We talk about why we are coaching for Pro Prep Academy, and the impact the program is going to make in the community! Coach Shaq shares his recent 3rd place finish in the NFL Canada Fan of the Year contest! We talk about the upcoming NFL draft and their favourite players of all time!

Two former Manitoba stand out QB's, Charlie Ringland(DB) and Dayton Black(OL) join Coach Gies to talk about their journey in the game. We chat about growing up, playing multiple sports and being grateful for our parents support along the way. Charlie and Dayton talk about their High School football experience, the recruiting process, position changes and both choosing The University of Saskatchewan!

Manitoba U16 Head Coach, Stefan Hirsch joins Coach Gies to talk his Top 5 QB's for the upcoming 2021 NFL draft. Coach Hirsch unveils his Mock draft top 10 picks what other draft day trade possibilities may unfold! Coach Hirsch shares his background in playing and coaching, we talk about his interest in player development, scouting and recruiting. Coach Hirsch talks about the state of his Cleveland Browns and also shares an exciting new project he is working to release in the near future called "The Red Howler Report."

CFL veteran Dave Donaldson joins Coach Gies to talk about his unique story of perseverance. Dave shares some insight on his beginnings in football coming from a Judo background. Dave talks about his days with the Winnipeg Hawkeyes and Manitoba Bisons. Dave tells his story of chasing his CFL dream and compiling an impressive 10 year career!

Head Football Coach of Springfield Collegiate Institute, Tom Walls and his son/QB1 Tommy Walls join Coach Gies to talk about their love for the game. Coach Walls shares his background coming from New York to Canada and how he adjusted to football in Winnipeg. Tommy shares his opinions on QB training, playing 7 on 7 this past fall of 2020 and growing up with a football Dad. We talk NFL free agency and play a little game of random football trivia! Tommy ends the podcast with a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT for the spring of 2021!

Coach Gies interviews his former Bison teammates (QB) Brad Sarna, (RB) Jeff Morgan and (OL) Chris Bochen and they reminisce about growing up and playing football in the mid to late 90's! They share their backgrounds playing and coaching with a lot of laughs and stories in between! They debate recent NFL news, contracts and draft situations along with an in depth analysis on what attributes are most important in becoming a successful QB!

Coach Joe D'amore from Windsor, Ontario joins Coach Gies for an in depth conversation about his background and love for the game and Offensive football! Coach D'amore gives some great insight on his offensive philosophy, mindset, and one defender reads within his passing game. We talk about potential NFL QB trades and analytics in the game!

Scott, Bendan and Riley Naujoks join Coach Gies to chat about growing up together and the family's love for the game of Volleyball. We talk in depth about their playing careers for the Fort Garry Lions, St Pauls Crusaders and Winnipeg Rifles. We play a highly competitive game of "Are you a real fan?" and we talk about their favourite players of all time!

University of Carleton Head Football Coach Steve Sumarah sits down with Coach Gies to discuss his background in the game, restarting the program in 2012 and the atmosphere of the Panda game! We play fun game of Pro QB "Who would you rather start" and Coach talks about QB mechanics and the mental components needed to be a successful QB!

Coach Gies interviews the entertaining Oleksewycz brothers (Sean - DB Coach - Manitoba Bisons and Drew - WR Coach - Dakota Lancers) who share their football backgrounds growing up and competing against one another! We talk both offensive and defensive aspects about Super Bowl 55, we debate whether Tom Brady secured GOAT status and the pair share insight on their current coaching jobs!

Hamilton Tiger Cats Defensive End Mason Bennett connects with Coach Gies about his draft day experience in 2020! Mason shares his come up in amateur football playing for The Fort Garry Lions, Vincent Massey Trojans, Manitoba Provincial teams and Team Canada. Mason talks with Coach Gies about the work he put into being recruited to The University of North Dakota and keeping his grades up through high school. Mason talks about his favourite Defensive Ends going up and thanks his mom for being his role model in his life!

St. James Rods Major Junior Head Coach Caleb Goudie and his Quarterback Nathan Leitao join Coach Gies to talk about their love for Major football in Manitoba. They share their football stories, Coach Gies plays a fun NFL trivia game called "Are you a real fan" and they share their Super Bowl predictions!!!

Toronto Argonauts Quarterback Michael O'Connor chats with Coach Gies about his amazing journey in the game of football. Michael speaks on his decision to transfer to The University of British Columbia (UBC) and subsequently winning the Vanier cup. We talk NFL playoff predictions and Michael shares some amazing insights for all young QB's wanting to play professional football!!!!

From Sherbrooke, Quebec, QB Mason McGriskin and WR Griffin Shillingford from Bishops University (BU) join Coach Gies to talk about what was accomplished this fall in the face of Covid19. The passing combination talk about their journey in the game of football with advice for the younger generation and we make NFL playoff predictions!!!

Coach Steinberg sits down with Coach Gies to chat about growing up in Winnipeg and his early days as a player, his transition after into coaching and his big move in 1998 to California becoming a Head Coach! We talk coaching mentors, Cali QB's and the reasons why Coach Steiny loves the "no huddle offence!"

Vincent Massey Collegiate (Wpg) Junior Varisty Head Coach Kris Johnston, along with his two Offensive coaches Jason Huclack and Eric Yuen chat with Coach Gies about their passion to coach JV Football! We play a fun game of NFL trivia, make college football playoff predictions and talk their favourite QB!

University of McMaster QB Andre Dueck joins Coach Gies to talk about his history in the game, his positive attitude towards handling adversity, and who is the GOAT?

2007 Vanier Cup Champion QB coach Jeff Stead visits to talk about his background in the game, why he went "no huddle" and some insight into his tempo settings!

QB Coach Jay Prepchuk from Simon Fraser University and "Jay Prepchuk's Quarterback camps" talks about his life in the game and the personality traits needed to play QB at the next level!