It's been an eventful season for bantam football player Jacob Mate and just where he'll end up playing next is a question mark at this point.

Mate, 14, has been part of two winning teams this season, first with the Cochrane Lions, then the CBFA Select team that won its division in a Las Vegas, NV tournament, Nov. 22-25. He played defensive end for the Selects and for the Lions was a two-way player on the offensive and defensive line.

The only Canadian team in the event, the Calgary Bantams won their division after facing teams from Alaska and Las Vegas. There were 1,500 players in the junior high tournament and teams were matched up by weight to make for fair play.

For Mate, it further heightened his interest in a sport he already holds in high esteem.

"It was very difficult, a very big challenge for the team to get used to the rules and gel in two weeks, but it was a good experience and we pulled it off and won the tournament."

"It was a really great experience. I was honoured to play with a team of such high calibre and it helped me develop not only as a better player, but as a better person overall."

Mate has played football for five years and was part of the Rocky View Rage before joining the Cochrane Lions two years ago.

"It teaches you about teamwork and about dedication, commitment and it teaches you hard work. It's just a great sport. It's fun to play and I really love it."

About 100 players from the Calgary bantam league were selected to try out for the team, including six members of the Cochrane Lions, and the roster was whittled down to 28 players for the Vegas tournament. Standing 6'4", he's the tallest player ever to suit up for the Calgary Selects.

"I had mixed feelings. I was very honoured to be chosen to play for them, but I was also very surprised some of my other teammates didn't make it."

St. Timothy High School doesn't have a football program, nor does Cochrane currently have a midget team, so he's debating what to do next season. He's considering joining either the midget Airdrie Revels or Calgary Mavericks for the Calgary spring season. If he continues at the high school level he would have to play for St. Francis, Notre Dame or Bishop Caroll.

He has also been invited to try out for the Alberta U16 team in the spring.

Mate has interest in other sports and disciplines. At St. Timothy's High School, the junior high student enjoys track and field, cross-country, wrestling, basketball and volleyball. He also holds a black belt in taekwondo. 

Bantam Lions head coach Paul Vaillancourt speaks highly of the CBFA's Select program and says Jacob is a very coachable player who is always eager to improve.

"The CBFA Selects program is truly outstanding," says Vaillancourt. "They have an outstanding win-loss record and the Lions have had many players crack the squad over the years."

The Calgary Selects have a solid record in the tournament. In 11 years, they have accumulated 41 wins while only losing four games and tying one.

Jacob's parents say they appreciate the opportunity provided for their son.

"Our thanks to the Lions organization for giving Jacob this chance," says Peter Mate. "It was a really great experience."