Marek Filipek’s introduction to football had a lighter side to it.
Nov 9, 2023 5:08 PM
Marek Filipek’s introduction to football had a lighter side to it.
“One day I saw my dad screaming at the television watching the (Denver) Broncos and it got me interested in the sport and I loved it ever since,” said Marek with a laugh.
“It changed my life.”
And for the good.
The Sylvan Lake native developed into one of the premier high school quarterbacks in the province, leading the Hunting Hills Lightning to the Central Alberta championship and a berth in the provincial Tier II quarter-finals against the St. Joseph’s Celtics of Grande Prairie, set for Saturday at 1 p.m. at Setters Place at Great Chief Park.
Marek got into football around Grade 5, playing atom through bantam in Sylvan Lake before the family moved to Red Deer.
“I started out as a quarterback and that’s the only position I’ve played since,” he explained.
“Sylvan has a good program and helped me develop but we decided to move to Red Deer for a change and that was a blessing for me. Coach (Kyle) Sedgewick has helped a lot.”
Marek’s father, who played middle linebacker in the 1990s for Salisbury in Sherwood Park, has been a silent force behind him and his brother Caden.
“He’s been great and my brother plays receiver, so we’re able to work out during the summer, which has also helped both of us,” said Marek, who is in his final season with the Lightning.
He’s turned in a dominant season, leading the undefeated Lightning to the championship — 20-9 over the Notre Dame Cougars — while leading the league in passing, hitting on 45 of 66 attempts for 935 yards and a 68.2 per cent completion average. Those numbers would have been higher but the Lightning had their game against the Lacombe Rams canceled this season.
The six-foot-two, 185-pound Filipek joined the Lightning in Grade 10, playing briefly behind veteran Alex Wilson. He threw just 15 passes his first year, but by Grade 11 he was taking over from Wilson as the starter.
Wilson had 21 pass attempts with Filipek connecting on 42 of 76 for a 55.3 per cent average.
“That first year was good for me as I was behind Alex and I was able to sit and watch and learn,” he said.
Marek throws the ball as well as, if not better, than the majority of past quarterbacks in the league.
“I think it just comes natural to me,” he said.
He also understands what it takes to be a leader on and off the field.
“The biggest thing is the pressure as you have to know everything and what everyone is doing,” he said. “It’s so important to always be calm and composed. You have a bad attitude and that can rub off on your teammates. To have success you all need to be on the same page.”
Marek has the experience to be a team leader as he not only led the Lightning, but played with Team Alberta’s U18 program last summer.
‘That was a great experience and I made some friendships I will never lose,” he said.
Marek has a lot of help in the leadership role with the Lightning with a solid group of Grade 12s led by running back-defensive back Ethan Bilo, receiver-kicker Riley Easton and receiver Adnesse Pannenbecker, a transfer from Lacombe.
Pannenbecker is one of the more exciting receivers in the conference and will play at the University of Alberta next year.
“He’s a great addition,” said Filipek. “We had a strong receiving corps already then adding him make a world of difference. Just another great guy who fits into our program.”
Pannenbecker led the Lightning with 17 receptions while Grade 11 standout Aldin Bilalbegovic had 14, Easton nine and Bilo seven.
“We have a lot of depth … guys with good hands,” said Filipek. “Guys who have bailed me out several times.”
Marek will finish his high school career this year but not his football career.
“I hope to play U Sport next year,” he said. “I’ve received an offer from the U of Ottawa and close to one from Queens. Hopefully, there could be others … we’ll see.
“But I do want to continue playing and possibly coaching down the road.”
The Lightning will receive one of their toughest tests of the season in the Celtics, who are ranked No. 1 in Tier II.
“We’ve both lost early in the season to Holy Trinity, that was it,” Filipek said. “I think whoever wins this game has a good chance to win the whole thing.”
The Lightning do have home-field advantage, in fact, they will have it as long as they keep winning. The provincial semifinal, against the winner of the Cold Lake Royals and Austin O’Brien Crusaders, is set for Nov. 17 in Red Deer with all the provincial finals scheduled for Setters Place Nov. 24-25.
“Playing at home couldn’t be better and I think we have a good chance if we play our game,” concluded Filipek.
In Tier I provincial play the Notre Dame Cougars host the Salisbury Sabres Friday at 5 p.m. at Great Chief Park while in Tier III the Stettler Wildcats visit the Crescent Height Vikings in Medicine Hat.
Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame who can be reached at [email protected]