The Canadian Junior Football League is just days away from its 2023 season. 

Many teams in the Prairie Football Conference will play in an exhibition game this weekend, including the Regina Thunder and Winnipeg Rifles. The two squads will go head-to-head in their tune-up game on a neutral field this weekend in Brandon.

The Rifles have multiple Portage products on their team in Kurt Parker, Jacob Younka, as well as, Kaiden and Kyler Banfield. The four of them will be facing off with their former teammate for the first time.

Kicker Shawn Green is making his debut for the Thunder this weekend, and he can't wait to get on the field.

"This is the best time of the year for me. I'm looking forward to getting back on to the field and being able to show all of the off-season work and prove that it wasn't a waste of time."

Green spent the last two seasons as the backup kicker at Bishop University in Quebec. He wanted to become a full-time starter, which he says was a big reason for the move to Regina.

The Portager is very glad to get his first taste of the action just an hour away from his roots.

"When I first heard that we were playing in Brandon, I was super stoked," Green explains. "Being able to play close to home and playing against some old high-school teammates, or rivals now, it's going to be nice to see some familiar faces (across the field and in the stands)."

The former Portage Collegiate Trojan says bragging rights will be on the line this weekend. 

With this being Green's first season with the Thunder, having a preseason game before things officially get underway is something he believes will be very beneficial.

"It's the best-case scenario for me," says Green. "Going into Week 1 against Calgary (Colts), it's going to be nice to have that exhibition game to prepare and get some of those first-game jitters out."

He will be living with his older brother Connor in Saskatchewan for the season, who used to be a kicker for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

"The one thing he told me that really sticks out is try to get your mind right and don't pay attention to any of the trash talk," Green continues. "He really helped me with my mental toughness."

The Thunder and Rifles will battle it out this Saturday, August 5.

Related Stories