Amherstburg football player among the OSFL all-stars

Drake Ouellette is an OFSL all-star.

The Ontario Summer Football League (OSFL) has named its all-stars and an Amherstburg player is among the honourees.

Drake Ouellette made the OSFL’s Bantam AAA all-star team, with the offensive lineman joining players from around the province on the team. The 14-year-old athlete said he only started playing football last year and was surprised to be named to the all-star team.

“I didn’t think I was actually going to make it,” said Ouellette. “I literally had no idea about football before I started playing it. I barely knew about football and now I’m here.”

Ouellette said he didn’t realize he had made the OSFL bantam all-star team until friends and teammates with the Essex Ravens started tagging him after seeing social media posts. He is one of two members of his team to make the team but the only one from Amherstburg.

Stating he plays both offense and defense, Ouellette said he actually prefers the defensive side of the football. Getting sacks and making tackles is something he likes to do on the field.

“In my opinion, it’s the most fun you can do. I love it,” he said.

The selection to the all-star team shows he has the skills to protect his quarterback as an offensive lineman. He plans on continuing with the Essex Ravens football program and will also be entering high school and suit up at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School.

Ouellette said his father Adam encouraged him to try out for football and stick with it.

“It’s super fun. It’s my favourite sport now,” he said. “I wish I had done it earlier.”

Ouellette initially played with the Windsor Minor Football Association program before trying out for the Ravens. He said he wants to build up his stamina as he adds the Villanova program to his football resumé.

“They run us a lot. I need to get my stamina up,” he said.

Future plans include football, he added.

“If I can go pro, I’d love to do that. I can’t think of doing anything better,” he said. “If I can’t play professional, I’d like to be an engineer like my dad.”

In addition to thanking his father and his coaches, Ouellette said his mom Ayme was someone he is grateful to as well. She brings him to football and washes his equipment and he expressed her thanks to her for that as well as her support. 

Amherstburg football player among the OSFL all-stars

By Ron Giofu