LISTEN: Aden Bowman receiver turning heads in Saskatoon

A high school football player in Saskatoon is in the midst of one of the best seasons the city has ever seen.

Aden Bowman Bears receiver Brady Blackburn has been a real problem for defenders in the 5A division. Blackburn has torched defenders across the city for 577 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in just six games this season. Add in the punt and kick returns he’s helped field and he’s gained more than 1,000 all-purpose yards.

“I’m just a playmaker. Every time I touch the ball, I think (I can) make something happen,” Blackburn said prior to a practice at Aden Bowman’s field.

“I’m a quick and fast guy, and every time that the ball touches my hands, something special is going to happen.”

What makes Blackburn’s season so impressive is that he didn’t start playing football until just a few years ago. He also usually only plays in the first half of games, so his stats have the potential to be much higher than what’s currently posted.

“I used to be a big hockey player, but then I started liking football,” he explained. “I worked really hard on football, and my dad taught me a lot.”

He said his father, Dave Blackburn, was able to teach him the ropes of becoming a receiver. Dave was a receiver with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and helped lead the Huskies to a Vanier Cup in 1996.

According to Blackburn, speed is one of the biggest parts of his game and it’s something he really worked on over the last few years. He said his dad has helped him train, and pushes him to get quicker and stronger.

Aden Bowman receiver Brady Blackburn running for a gain in high school football action. (Nicole Hills/Submitted)

“I’ve always been an athlete, but I worked really hard on my speed the last three years. I’ve been hitting the track a lot,” Blackburn said.

“Me and my dad go to the track and we run together and just try to get better. We work out together and watch film together – he’s like 51 (years old) and still running with me. It’s been good.”
Blackburn’s speed can also be traced to his mom Lariene, who was a track athlete for the Huskies.

While Blackburn is putting up historic numbers, Aden Bowman head coach Justin Loshack said he isn’t surprised to see Blackburn having so much success on the field.
“I’ve seen the work he’s put in,” said Loshack.

The coach said he watched Blackburn grow up, as their families live across the street from each other.

“He deserves everything he is getting,” the coach added.

According to Loshack, Blackburn is mature, a leader, academically talented and a very hard worker. Loshack called him a gem.

“What really sets him apart is his work ethic and his drive,” he said. “He’s been like that for a long time. He almost has to be forced to hit the off switch once in a while.”

Loshack added that Blackburn is also a leader in the locker room.

“He’s got a really good group of buddies since Grade 1 and they challenge each other and compete against each other,” Loshack explained.

“I think that’s really brought out the best in all of them, and Brady is in the middle of it all the time. His leadership skills are phenomenal.”

With 2023 being his senior year of football, Blackburn said he doesn’t know what’s next for him when it comes to the sport, though he said it’s something he’d like to pursue as he moves toward university.

“I’ve got lots of opportunities open for me and (I’m) just trying to explore each one,” he said. “We’ll see what time holds for me. I want to play football as long as I can and that’s the goal. I’m having fun right now, so we’ll have to see.”

The 5A high school football playoffs begin Friday night. Blackburn and Aden Bowman will play the Marion Graham Falcons at the SMF Field at 5:15 p.m. The winner will play in the final on Oct. 27.

Blackburn said his team has big goals ahead of the playoffs.

“We’ve got a really special team and we’ve got lots of guys who played football with us for a long time,” Blackburn said. “We’re hoping we can take it all the way to provincials this year, but we’ll see how it goes. We’re a confident team.”

Blackburn also credited his teammates for the success he’s had over the season.