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The Schwann Conference regular season kicks off tonight with two games on the slate.
The defending city and provincial champion Campbell Tartans open their title defence on Friday against the Riffel Royals.
Thursday's schedule has the LeBoldus Golden Suns taking on the Balgonie Greenall Griffins at 5: 15 p.m., at Mosaic Stadium. The Balfour Redmen and Sheldon-Williams Spartans will tangle at Leibel Field, also at 5: 15 p.m.
CAMPBELL TARTANS
It was a special season for the Campbell Tartans in 2010, one in which they captured the 4A city and provincial championships.
But that is in the past. The Tartans, while expecting to wear the target on their back this season, have every intention of creating another memorable season in 2011.
"Any time you win the league or win a provincial championship, everybody is going to think it's a big deal to beat that team," said Tartans assistant coach Ryan Hall. "We have tried to remind our guys that last year was last year and it's over. This is a new team and these guys will have to define themselves. They can't ride on the coat tails from last year."
The Tartans will get a stiff test in their regular-season opener on Friday when they square off against the Riffel Royals.
"We know Riffel is going to be tough every year," Hall said. "They have a good line and good guys coming at you out of the backfield. We're really going to have to be ready to play tough."
The Tartans coaching staff is high this season on the defensive unit, which is led by veteran lineman Ryan Warner and converted linebacker Matt Libby. But the strength of the defence may be in the secondary with the likes of Max Kaczmer, Isaac Maze and Marcus Hall.
On offence, lineman Evan Johnson will set the tone up front. Receivers Davin Johnston and Richard Sindani are expected to make plays, and Tyler Gaber will likely emerge as the starting running back. Who starts at quarterback is still the big question with this team. Three candidates are in the mix, with Grade 11 athlete Connor Crawford leading that race.
RIFFEL ROYALS
The Royals return a strong core of athletes that helped the team finish atop the Schwann Conference in 2010. Mason Rossler, Ryan Filyk, Matt Knight and Lance Pitka all played on the under-18 provincial team this summer and will be expected to lead the Royals in the RIFL.
Rossler will play on both sides of the ball as a linebacker and running back. He's also a captain and team leader. Filyk is the anchor of the defensive secondary from his safety position, while Pitka will solidify the linebacking group. Knight, meanwhile, is a two-way lineman who will provide size and strength from the guard and nose tackle spots.
"With that nucleus, I think we'll be in the hunt this year," insisted Royals head coach John Bolen. "That's a pretty strong group of guys and they will be our leaders."
Rookie quarterbacks Austin Thompson and Jeremy Sylvester are still battling for the starter's job. Bolen has appreciated their competitiveness during training camp and plans to alternate both players until one emerges.
The Royals will get an excellent test to start the season as they will battle the Campbell Tartans on Friday.
"It's going to be tough to face the defending provincial champs in the first game of the season," Bolen said. "It's always good to start with a tough team and figure out what you're made of. Our guys are hungry for them."
BALFOUR REDMEN
The Redmen possess several good athletes at key positions, many of which picked up valuable experience this past summer with the provincial under-18 team.
Head coach Clay Drouin expects his offence to be solid. Matt Frass is entering his second year as the team's starting tailback and is looking to improve in a productive 2010 season.
Mitch Nelson is a Grade 12 lineman who will play on both sides of the ball. Drouin has pegged Nelson as a captain this season and appreciates his leadership and experience.
The athletic Riley Wilson is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, according to the Redmen coaching staff. He is a Grade 12 receiver and a captain who possesses big-play capabilities.
Grade 12 athlete Brandon Jelinski is in his third year with the team and is considered the leader of the defence from his defensive back spot. Jelinski, Nelson and Frass all suited up for the provincial under-18 team this summer.
"We have a group that is committed to each other," Drouin said. "They're hard-working kids who simply enjoy being around one another. We are focused and determined to get better every day."
LEBOLDUS GOLDEN SUNS
Opponents of the Golden Suns can expect a steady dose of Grade 11 quarterback Noah Picton again this season. Last season, Picton led all Schwann Conference pivots in passing yards, and Suns head coach John Foord has every intention to unleash his biggest weapon again this year. Picton gained additional experience by playing with the provincial under-18 team this past summer.
One of Picton's main targets will be three-year veteran slotback Robbie Avram. The Grade 12 athlete is also a two-time RIFL all-star at his defensive back position.
Protecting Picton and giving him time to throw will be the Grade 12 offensive line trio of Connor Hydaman, Nick Howell and Delvin Plesniewicz. All three will also anchor the defensive line.
"We expect to be competitive this season, experienced up front and athletic in skill positions," Foord noted.
BALGONIe GREENALL GRIFFINS
The Greenall Griffins are hoping to make significant improvements this year after a disappointing 1-6 campaign last season.
Plenty familiar faces return to help the Balgonie-based bunch in 2011, including a solid core of seniors at impact positions.
Third-year running back Kenton McDougall is a hardnosed runner who will look to get the Griffins' ground game rolling. Like McDougall, Derek Scherle and Kody Kalaman are two Grade 12 athletes who will be expected to make an impact on offence from their receiver spots.
The Griffins implemented a new offensive system during the off-season under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Shane Cogbill. Griffins head coach Cory Lechner hopes a fresh gameplan can kickstart the Griffins.
"Our offensive unit is soaking up Shane's new system and I'm excited about it," Lechner said. "We are optimistic that we will be a lot more competitive on both sides of the ball. As usual, a playoff spot is what we are gunning for."
On defence, Greenall will be led by defensive back Colton Hendricks and big Nick Younghans on the defensive line. Both are in their Grade 12 season. Lechner also sees strong and speedy Grade 11 linebacker Matt Criddle as a key component on defence.
THOM TROJANS
The Trojans have a strong and rich tradition in the RIFL, one that includes numerous city and provincial championships. But recently the program has endured some lean years. Trojans head coach Blaine Pearce is eager for the program to regain its winning ways.
"We are trying to rebuild the successful program we once had in the late '90s and from 2000 to 2003," Pearce explained. "We have a good coaching staff with knowledge and experience to work with the players. Our goals this season are to be competitive and make the playoffs. We know that will be tough in the 4A conference but we are committed to working hard to accomplish those goals."
The Trojans will look to several senior players to provide leadership and stability, including David Keogan and Wade Lavallee on the offensive and defensive lines, and seniors Tanner Samwald and Curtis Mailander at receiver and defensive back.
The Trojans also have a number of players who have graduated from the minor ranks to the high school level and are expected to make major contributions.
Grade 11 quarterback Preston Sjoberg is one of those RMF graduates.
"He is doing very well," Pearce said. "He worked all summer on football and the coaches are looking forward to his contributions over the next two years."
SHELDON-WILLIAMS SPARTANS
The Spartans are in good hands with Richards and Richards. Brothers Cohen and his younger brother Ellis are the quarterbacking duo at Sheldon this season. Although Ellis is only in Grade 9, he shows promise for the future.
Brandon Grasdal will carry the load in the offensive backfield as the starting tailback.
On the defensive side of the ball is where the Spartans will excel in the early part of the season. Wildred Jerome is a third-year leader who will assume the middle linebacker position. Jerome was a member of the under-18 provincial team but as a defensive lineman.
Justin Anderson is arguably the team's best athlete. In his senior year, Anderson will solidify the defence from his cornerback position.
WINSTON KNOLL WOLVERINES
Two years removed from their 4A city championship, the Wolverines are gunning for a return to the big game this season under new head coach Danny Paskiw.
The Wolverines will deploy a relatively young team in 2011, led by Grade 11 offensive lineman Keaton Hain. Paskiw describes Hain as a "vocal and physical leader who plays with intensity and helps develop the younger players."
His presence is crucial as the Wolverines plan to slot a few new players in key positions on offence. Jaeden Marwick, their Grade 11 quarterback, is one of the youngsters Paskiw will lean on this season. Alex Thompson, another Grade 11 athlete, is expected to be one of the main playmakers on offence and a main target for Marwick from his receiver spot.
On defence, Paskiw points to newcomers Tyrell Hubick along the defensive line and defensive back Taylor Mayer. Both players impressed the coaching staff during training camp.
"Our strengths will be our work ethic discipline and our many returning Grade 11 players," Paskiw said.
"I think we will be a competitive team that will battle hard against our worthy opponents in the Schwann Conference.
"We have a good mix of veterans and new players who work hard and are excited to start the season."
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