August 29, 2007
2007 OUA FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HAMILTON, Ont.- As another Ontario University Athletics (OUA) football season sets upon us, there are a number of highlights to watch out for in 2007. Windsor running back Daryl Stephenson (London, Ontario) captured the Hec Crighton as the country’s top player in 2006, and this year will be vying to become the CIS all-time leading rusher. The Score Television Network will be broadcasting two night games on September 15, and 22 for the first time, and will also be broadcasting the 100th Yates Cup Championship in HD. 2007 will also see the return of the Desjardins Vanier Cup to Ontario soil, as the Rogers Centre plays host to the national championship on November 23rd.
The initial Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Top 10 rankings see the Ottawa Gee-Gees sitting in third spot, tops in the OUA. The Western Mustangs, Laurier Golden Hawks, and McMaster Marauders round out the Ontario teams sitting in seventh, either and ninth spots respectively.
The OUA season gets underway on Monday September 3rd, with all 10 teams in action. Dennis McPhee will make his coaching debut for the Waterloo Warriors against the Toronto Varsity Blues. Waterloo narrowly pushed past Toronto in 2006, as Toronto held the lead through the first half until second year wide receiver Sean Cowie (Burlington, Ontario) scored two second half touchdowns to give Waterloo the win 28-25. The Lancers will start their season off at home as they take on the York Lions and will be eager to get the 2007 campaign started as Windsor will look to avenge their premature knock out of the playoffs last year. 2006 Yates Cup Champion Gee-Gees will see their first action of 2007 as they travel to Guelph to take on defending OUA passing leader (2452 yards) Justin Dunk (Guelph, Ontario) and the Gryphons. Other action will see two close match ups as the McMaster Marauders travel to Laurier, and Queen’s travels down the 401 to take on the Mustangs.
GUELPH GRYPHONS
2006: 8th in Conference (2-6)
2007: Open at home versus the Ottawa Gee-Gees- September 3 @ 1:00pm
The 2007 Guelph Gryphons will be relying on a young group of players to emerge as the team has undergone a transition over the past two seasons. The loss of a number of senior players will allow a young group of Gryphons to show what they have. Although the core of the group will be made up of underclassmen a few seniors will be counted on to provide leadership. Offensively, receivers Lorne Foster (Beamsville H.S) and Adam Slomer ( London Banting) will be the only fifth year players. The departure of David McKoy and Jeff Keegan will force the young receivers to rise to the occasion and fill the shoes of the departed stars. On the other side of the ball, defensive player of the year Chris Decker (Waterdown H.S) and Chris Hladich (St.Catherines Holy Cross) will be the fifth-year players providing leadership. Three starters from the defensive line have graduated giving a group of young players the opportunity to step in and contribute.
The Gryphon offence will be counting on the continued development of third year QB Justin Dunk (Guelph J.F Ross). The emergence of OUA rookie of the year RB Nick Fitzgibbon (Guelph Centennial) will take some of the pressure off of the passing game as the Gryphon offence will look to control the clock and limit the number of turnovers in 2007. On the defensive side of the ball a major overhaul to the secondary was the main challenge for the off season. A deep and talented, but very young group along the defensive line will be battling for playing time.
LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS
2006: 2nd in Conference (6-2) Lost in Yates Cup Final to Ottawa Gee-Gees
2007: Open at home versus McMaster- September 3 @ 2:00pm
A significant change to the program this year will be at the helm as former quarterback Jamie Partington has used all eligibility leaving the offense with what appears to be Ian Noble to lead the attack. Running back Ryan Lynch and all-Canadian receiver Andy Baechler will continue to be key members of the offensive attack and all-Canadian lineman Scott Evans returns for his fourth year.
The defense that stopped many opponents took some more losses over the year with all-Canadians linebackers Jesse Alexander and Yannick Carter moving to the CFL along with defensive back Justin Phillips. Veterans Anthony Maggiacomo, Brent Hickey and Luke Pinder will fill the leadership gaps and allow for many rookies to step into some of the missing roles.
Chris Mamo returns to do the kicking job on special teams while Dante Luciani, Dustin Heap and Steve Turner all will remain in their similar jobs of special team returns.
MCMASTER MARAUDERS
2006: 3rd in Conference (6-2) Lost in Quarter-finals to Queen’s
2007: Open on the road verses Laurier Golden Hawks- September 3 @ 2:00pm
The McMaster defense got a major boost with the return of lineman Chris Van Zeyl. Van Zeyl was drafted eighteen overall, second in the third round, of the 2007 CFL draft and spent a CFL training camp with the Montreal Alouettes. Eugene Boakye also returns to the Marauder defense after being selected with the twenty-second pick by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. With OUA All-star Simon Binder and starter Jason Arakgi also returning at linebacker the defensive front looks solid and should stifle opponents run games this season. The defense will need to prove itself in the defensive secondary where senior Frank Longo is the only returning starter.
On offense the first key will likely be the health of starting quarterback, Adam Archibald. The fifth year senior battled injuries much of the 2006 season forcing rookie quarterback Ryan Fantham into action. Fantham did an admirable job filling in, finishing the season with 30 completions on 53 attempts for 348 yards and two touchdown tosses. Despite missing time, Archibald still managed to complete 72 of 135 passes for 1435 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006. It was his second consecutive 1000 plus yard season. The Marauders will need a healthy Archibald if they are to play to their potential this season.
OTTAWA GEE-GEES
2006: 1st in Conference (7-1) Yates Cup Champions
2007: Open on the road versus Guelph- September 3 @ 1:00pm
Josh Sacobie will be back for his fourth year at the helm of the Gee-Gees offence in 2007. Last season, Sacobie became just the second Gee-Gee in team history to pass for 5000 career yards, throwing for 1860 yards in seven game despite missing his first game since his rookie campaign when injured against York on September 16. He finished the season with the best touchdown to interception ratio in the OUA while rushing for an additional 108 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The receiving unit remains very much in tack from last season, as only Adam Nicolson will not return to the Gee-Gees attack after being drafted in the first round by the British Columbia Lions in last spring’s Canadian Football League (CFL) draft.
David Crane returns for his fourth season after leading Ottawa in receiving yards in 2006 with a career high 32 catches for 596 yards.
If everyone focused on the Gee-Gees offence last year, they probably overlooked one of the pivotal components to the squad. The defence.
The Gee-Gees allowed the fewest points in the CIS in 2006, giving up just 97-points (12.1 per game) which was three fewer than the eventual Vanier Cup champion Laval Rouge et Or and won their games by an average of 22.4 points, second only to the Manitoba Bisons.
Linebacker Joe Barnes is back to anchor the linebacking corps for the fourth season. Last year, the Stoney Creek native recorded 46 tackles in the regular season including a career high three sacks. In the playoffs, he had a career best 8.5 tackles
against Queen’s in the OUA semi-final and recorded his first career playoff sack and forced fumble against Laurier in the Yates Cup.
QUEEN’S GOLDEN GAELS
2006: 6th in Conference (4-4) Lost in Semi-Final to Ottawa
207: Open on the road versus Western- September 3 @ 7:00pm
Queen's Golden Gaels football enters an historic year with expectations to build on last years first playoff appearance since 2003. Head Coach Pat Sheehan begins his eighth season at Queen's with an offence that returns local receiver Rob Bagg (Kingston, ON) for his fifth and final season. Rob had a great showing at the Saskatchewan Roughriders' training camp in June but decided to return to Kingston for one final run at the OUA title. He had his best season with the Gaels a year ago catching 30 passes for 565 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a Queen's record 104 yard TD grab at Homecoming against Windsor. Third year quarterback Danny Brannagan (Burlington, ON) will be looking to continue to improve after finishing third in the OUA in passing. Danny threw for 1744 yards and 11 touchdowns including a season best 26 for 38 for 335 yards and four touchdowns at Guelph.
Queen's defensive coordinator Pat Tracey will have to deal with key losses at linebacker with the graduations of all stars Ian Hazlett and Adam Ross. Leading the way will be a ball hawking secondary with Jimmy Allin (Corbyville, ON) and Matt Vickers (Stittsville, ON) both key players in shutting down opponents passing games. The linebacking core while young will have some experience in DJ Mulholland (Kingston, ON) who was injured for the first month of the season. Despite the injury DJ still managed to be among the team leaders in solo tackles with 18. Local product Tim Poffley (29 solo tackles) started the last seven games of the season in 2006 at middle linebacker and big things are expected from the Queen Elizabeth high school graduate.
TORONTO VARSITY BLUES
2006: 10th in the Conference (0-8)
2007: Open at home versus Waterloo- September 3 @ 1:00pm
The 2007 campaign marks the 130th anniversary of the current football team, and heralds a new beginning for the U of T football programme with the opening of the 5,000-seat Varsity Centre on the site of the old Varsity Stadium. Led by fifth-year coach Steve Howlett, the Blues hope to build on the progress of 2006 as they continue their return to winning form.
Leading the 2007 offence for the Blues is veteran quarterback David Hamilton who took over sole quarterbacking duties last season, amassing nearly 1,600 yards passing and participating in this year’s East-West Bowl. Mark Stinson switched to running back and receiver in 2006, and the former pivot proved a natural at the position, winning the Johnny Copp Memorial Award as the team MVP. East-West all-star centre David Scott-McDowell anchors the offensive line, reunited with veteran guard Josh Armstrong, who took a hiatus last year to pursue an education degree.
Three of four starters return to the defensive line, fortified by rush end Michael Goncalves, who was selected by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 41st overall in the 2007 CFL Draft. Nose tackle Joe Cappiello and end Mark Evans also return to starting roles. In the defensive backfield, sophomore Derek Batchelor returns after an impressive rookie season in which he led the team in tackles and interceptions. Fifth-year halfbacks George Polyzois and Mike Tutty will line up alongside third-year safety Simon Clarke-Okah. New faces vying to break into the lineup include York-transfer Kevin Asare and Ottawa Sooners product Kyle Kennedy, the brother of Blues receiver Cory Kennedy.
Kicker Joe Valtellini returns after leading the 2006 Blues in scoring, as does return specialist Matthew D'Souza, who last fall established an OUA single-season record of 729 kickoff returns yards.
WATERLOO WARRIORS
2006: 7th in the Conference (3-5)
2007: Open on the road versus Toronto – September 3 @ 1:00pm
The Waterloo Warriors look to make noise in the OUA football division this season under new head coach Dennis McPhee. McPhee brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Warriors and a bright future to the Waterloo football program. Offensive co-ordinator and former CFL head coach, Joe Paopao will assist McPhee in the pursuit of guiding the Warriors to their first playoff berth in 4 years. The Warriors will be a young and fairly inexperienced squad relying heavily on McPhee and Paopao to create team cohesiveness.
Second year quarterback and recreation and business student Evan Martin who showed flashes of brilliance in 2006, will use the valuable experience he gained last season to lead the Warriors. Wide Receiver, Sean Cowie entering his third year will look to build on his strong 2006 season as he led the Warriors in receptions with 45 catches for 661 yards. Experienced defensive lineman, Darren Kisinger returns for his final year of eligibility after earning a spot on the 2006 first team all stars. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Kisinger will be relied upon heavily to provide the necessary leadership on and off the field for the young Warrior squad.
In a tight and competitive OUA division, it is imperative that the Warriors jump off to a quick start out of the gate. Heart, determination and team unity will be the necessary ingredients if the Warriors are to battle their way back to the top of the OUA.
WESTERN MUSTANGS
2006: 5th in Conference (5-3) Lost in semi-final to Laurier Golden Hawks
2007: Open at home versus Queen’s – September 3rd @ 7:00pm
The Western Mustangs welcome a new head coach, a new artificial turf surface at TD Waterhouse Stadium and a new era of Mustang football with the addition of 14 key recruits to the family.
With the return of Quarterback Michael Faulds and running back Randy McAuley, in addition to Scott Nason on the offensive line and capable receivers David Clayton and Josh Starr, the Mustangs offence – guided by new head coach and offensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall – will give opposing teams headaches. Marshall, a Mustang alumnus and former Hec Crighton winner, succeeds Larry Haylor, the winningest coach in CIS football history. Haylor leaves his legacy of 178 wins along with two Vanier Cup and eight Yates Cup championships.
The defence loses linebackers Johnny Chehade and John Rowan, but will look to recruits John Surla (Niagara Falls, Ont.) and Nate Fitzsimmons to help fill the holes. Other key returners for defensive co-ordinator Paul Gleason’s defence include defensive back Nick Kordic, who had a successful training camp with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats prior to the 2007 OUA football season. Defensive linemen Glen Larocque, who tried out with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Tom Dolezel will lead the defence up front, while Kordic, and returning defensive backs Cory Watson, Corey McNair and Matt Carapella will make life difficult for opposing receivers.
Special teams co-ordinator Chris Marcus welcomes back Watson as a returner, while Derek Schiavone comes back as one of the top punters and kickers in Canadian university football.
WINDSOR LANCERS
2006: 4th in Conference (6-2) Lost in quarter-final to Western Mustangs
2007: Open at home versus the York Lions- September 3 @ 2:00pm
Coming off a very solid season in 2006 (6-2 and a berth in the OUA Quarter Finals), the 2007 Lancer Football team is knocking on the door of the elite teams in the OUA.
Coach Mike Morencie’s squad returns 14 starters from 2006, including Hec Crighton winner Daryl Stephenson. Stephenson is the two-time CIS rushing leader and is on pace to shatter the CIS all-time rushing record this season.
Returning alongside Stephenson are veteran QB Dan Lumley, CIS All-Canadian WR Glenn MacKay, and OL Matt Morencie. These standouts are as good at their position as anyone in the country and will be a challenge for any opponent’s defense around the league.
On the Lancer defense, the key will be how well their younger players are able to step in and fill the void left by graduated seniors Alan Weekes, Billy Moysiuk and Sasha Glavic.
YORK LIONS
2006: 9th in Conference (1-7)
2007: Open on the road versus the Windsor Lancers- September 3 @ 2:00pm
The York Lions feel the pieces are in place to return to the OUA playoffs this year after a two-year absence from post-season play. With a large and strong recruiting class on campus, the Lions expect to have plenty of competition for playing time all season. At the highest-profile position – quarterback – returnees Bart Zemanek and Mike Crabtree are expected to battle up to six other players, including Concordia transfer Michael Hyatt.
Eight players also figure to be in the running for the starting running back role.
The offensive strength likely will be the receiving corps. An outstanding rookie class enters the sophomore campaign looking to build off a strong 2006. Kevin Walsh, a first-team OUA all-star at kick returner and a second-teamer at receiver, leads that group. Up front, the offensive line is anchored by Dave Gauer, who played in the CIS East-West Bowl this year along with fellow Lions returnees Nick Reynolds (running back) and Anthony Thomas (linebacker).
Several newcomers will push for jobs on both sides of the ball. Two interesting additions at linebacker are Aaron Adusei, a two-time state all-star in Virginia, and Marc Faria, a transfer from Buffalo. Other first-year players to watch include defensive back Cleon Holmes, offensive lineman Brian Buckingham and defensive lineman Corey Pratt.
(Information and team previews provided by Sports Information Directors from each OUA institution)
(Photo Credit: Mike Whitehouse)
The initial Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Top 10 rankings see the Ottawa Gee-Gees sitting in third spot, tops in the OUA. The Western Mustangs, Laurier Golden Hawks, and McMaster Marauders round out the Ontario teams sitting in seventh, either and ninth spots respectively.
The OUA season gets underway on Monday September 3rd, with all 10 teams in action. Dennis McPhee will make his coaching debut for the Waterloo Warriors against the Toronto Varsity Blues. Waterloo narrowly pushed past Toronto in 2006, as Toronto held the lead through the first half until second year wide receiver Sean Cowie (Burlington, Ontario) scored two second half touchdowns to give Waterloo the win 28-25. The Lancers will start their season off at home as they take on the York Lions and will be eager to get the 2007 campaign started as Windsor will look to avenge their premature knock out of the playoffs last year. 2006 Yates Cup Champion Gee-Gees will see their first action of 2007 as they travel to Guelph to take on defending OUA passing leader (2452 yards) Justin Dunk (Guelph, Ontario) and the Gryphons. Other action will see two close match ups as the McMaster Marauders travel to Laurier, and Queen’s travels down the 401 to take on the Mustangs.
GUELPH GRYPHONS
2006: 8th in Conference (2-6)
2007: Open at home versus the Ottawa Gee-Gees- September 3 @ 1:00pm
The 2007 Guelph Gryphons will be relying on a young group of players to emerge as the team has undergone a transition over the past two seasons. The loss of a number of senior players will allow a young group of Gryphons to show what they have. Although the core of the group will be made up of underclassmen a few seniors will be counted on to provide leadership. Offensively, receivers Lorne Foster (Beamsville H.S) and Adam Slomer ( London Banting) will be the only fifth year players. The departure of David McKoy and Jeff Keegan will force the young receivers to rise to the occasion and fill the shoes of the departed stars. On the other side of the ball, defensive player of the year Chris Decker (Waterdown H.S) and Chris Hladich (St.Catherines Holy Cross) will be the fifth-year players providing leadership. Three starters from the defensive line have graduated giving a group of young players the opportunity to step in and contribute.
The Gryphon offence will be counting on the continued development of third year QB Justin Dunk (Guelph J.F Ross). The emergence of OUA rookie of the year RB Nick Fitzgibbon (Guelph Centennial) will take some of the pressure off of the passing game as the Gryphon offence will look to control the clock and limit the number of turnovers in 2007. On the defensive side of the ball a major overhaul to the secondary was the main challenge for the off season. A deep and talented, but very young group along the defensive line will be battling for playing time.
LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS
2006: 2nd in Conference (6-2) Lost in Yates Cup Final to Ottawa Gee-Gees
2007: Open at home versus McMaster- September 3 @ 2:00pm
A significant change to the program this year will be at the helm as former quarterback Jamie Partington has used all eligibility leaving the offense with what appears to be Ian Noble to lead the attack. Running back Ryan Lynch and all-Canadian receiver Andy Baechler will continue to be key members of the offensive attack and all-Canadian lineman Scott Evans returns for his fourth year.
The defense that stopped many opponents took some more losses over the year with all-Canadians linebackers Jesse Alexander and Yannick Carter moving to the CFL along with defensive back Justin Phillips. Veterans Anthony Maggiacomo, Brent Hickey and Luke Pinder will fill the leadership gaps and allow for many rookies to step into some of the missing roles.
Chris Mamo returns to do the kicking job on special teams while Dante Luciani, Dustin Heap and Steve Turner all will remain in their similar jobs of special team returns.
MCMASTER MARAUDERS
2006: 3rd in Conference (6-2) Lost in Quarter-finals to Queen’s
2007: Open on the road verses Laurier Golden Hawks- September 3 @ 2:00pm
The McMaster defense got a major boost with the return of lineman Chris Van Zeyl. Van Zeyl was drafted eighteen overall, second in the third round, of the 2007 CFL draft and spent a CFL training camp with the Montreal Alouettes. Eugene Boakye also returns to the Marauder defense after being selected with the twenty-second pick by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. With OUA All-star Simon Binder and starter Jason Arakgi also returning at linebacker the defensive front looks solid and should stifle opponents run games this season. The defense will need to prove itself in the defensive secondary where senior Frank Longo is the only returning starter.
On offense the first key will likely be the health of starting quarterback, Adam Archibald. The fifth year senior battled injuries much of the 2006 season forcing rookie quarterback Ryan Fantham into action. Fantham did an admirable job filling in, finishing the season with 30 completions on 53 attempts for 348 yards and two touchdown tosses. Despite missing time, Archibald still managed to complete 72 of 135 passes for 1435 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006. It was his second consecutive 1000 plus yard season. The Marauders will need a healthy Archibald if they are to play to their potential this season.
OTTAWA GEE-GEES
2006: 1st in Conference (7-1) Yates Cup Champions
2007: Open on the road versus Guelph- September 3 @ 1:00pm
Josh Sacobie will be back for his fourth year at the helm of the Gee-Gees offence in 2007. Last season, Sacobie became just the second Gee-Gee in team history to pass for 5000 career yards, throwing for 1860 yards in seven game despite missing his first game since his rookie campaign when injured against York on September 16. He finished the season with the best touchdown to interception ratio in the OUA while rushing for an additional 108 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The receiving unit remains very much in tack from last season, as only Adam Nicolson will not return to the Gee-Gees attack after being drafted in the first round by the British Columbia Lions in last spring’s Canadian Football League (CFL) draft.
David Crane returns for his fourth season after leading Ottawa in receiving yards in 2006 with a career high 32 catches for 596 yards.
If everyone focused on the Gee-Gees offence last year, they probably overlooked one of the pivotal components to the squad. The defence.
The Gee-Gees allowed the fewest points in the CIS in 2006, giving up just 97-points (12.1 per game) which was three fewer than the eventual Vanier Cup champion Laval Rouge et Or and won their games by an average of 22.4 points, second only to the Manitoba Bisons.
Linebacker Joe Barnes is back to anchor the linebacking corps for the fourth season. Last year, the Stoney Creek native recorded 46 tackles in the regular season including a career high three sacks. In the playoffs, he had a career best 8.5 tackles
against Queen’s in the OUA semi-final and recorded his first career playoff sack and forced fumble against Laurier in the Yates Cup.
QUEEN’S GOLDEN GAELS
2006: 6th in Conference (4-4) Lost in Semi-Final to Ottawa
207: Open on the road versus Western- September 3 @ 7:00pm
Queen's Golden Gaels football enters an historic year with expectations to build on last years first playoff appearance since 2003. Head Coach Pat Sheehan begins his eighth season at Queen's with an offence that returns local receiver Rob Bagg (Kingston, ON) for his fifth and final season. Rob had a great showing at the Saskatchewan Roughriders' training camp in June but decided to return to Kingston for one final run at the OUA title. He had his best season with the Gaels a year ago catching 30 passes for 565 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a Queen's record 104 yard TD grab at Homecoming against Windsor. Third year quarterback Danny Brannagan (Burlington, ON) will be looking to continue to improve after finishing third in the OUA in passing. Danny threw for 1744 yards and 11 touchdowns including a season best 26 for 38 for 335 yards and four touchdowns at Guelph.
Queen's defensive coordinator Pat Tracey will have to deal with key losses at linebacker with the graduations of all stars Ian Hazlett and Adam Ross. Leading the way will be a ball hawking secondary with Jimmy Allin (Corbyville, ON) and Matt Vickers (Stittsville, ON) both key players in shutting down opponents passing games. The linebacking core while young will have some experience in DJ Mulholland (Kingston, ON) who was injured for the first month of the season. Despite the injury DJ still managed to be among the team leaders in solo tackles with 18. Local product Tim Poffley (29 solo tackles) started the last seven games of the season in 2006 at middle linebacker and big things are expected from the Queen Elizabeth high school graduate.
TORONTO VARSITY BLUES
2006: 10th in the Conference (0-8)
2007: Open at home versus Waterloo- September 3 @ 1:00pm
The 2007 campaign marks the 130th anniversary of the current football team, and heralds a new beginning for the U of T football programme with the opening of the 5,000-seat Varsity Centre on the site of the old Varsity Stadium. Led by fifth-year coach Steve Howlett, the Blues hope to build on the progress of 2006 as they continue their return to winning form.
Leading the 2007 offence for the Blues is veteran quarterback David Hamilton who took over sole quarterbacking duties last season, amassing nearly 1,600 yards passing and participating in this year’s East-West Bowl. Mark Stinson switched to running back and receiver in 2006, and the former pivot proved a natural at the position, winning the Johnny Copp Memorial Award as the team MVP. East-West all-star centre David Scott-McDowell anchors the offensive line, reunited with veteran guard Josh Armstrong, who took a hiatus last year to pursue an education degree.
Three of four starters return to the defensive line, fortified by rush end Michael Goncalves, who was selected by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 41st overall in the 2007 CFL Draft. Nose tackle Joe Cappiello and end Mark Evans also return to starting roles. In the defensive backfield, sophomore Derek Batchelor returns after an impressive rookie season in which he led the team in tackles and interceptions. Fifth-year halfbacks George Polyzois and Mike Tutty will line up alongside third-year safety Simon Clarke-Okah. New faces vying to break into the lineup include York-transfer Kevin Asare and Ottawa Sooners product Kyle Kennedy, the brother of Blues receiver Cory Kennedy.
Kicker Joe Valtellini returns after leading the 2006 Blues in scoring, as does return specialist Matthew D'Souza, who last fall established an OUA single-season record of 729 kickoff returns yards.
WATERLOO WARRIORS
2006: 7th in the Conference (3-5)
2007: Open on the road versus Toronto – September 3 @ 1:00pm
The Waterloo Warriors look to make noise in the OUA football division this season under new head coach Dennis McPhee. McPhee brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Warriors and a bright future to the Waterloo football program. Offensive co-ordinator and former CFL head coach, Joe Paopao will assist McPhee in the pursuit of guiding the Warriors to their first playoff berth in 4 years. The Warriors will be a young and fairly inexperienced squad relying heavily on McPhee and Paopao to create team cohesiveness.
Second year quarterback and recreation and business student Evan Martin who showed flashes of brilliance in 2006, will use the valuable experience he gained last season to lead the Warriors. Wide Receiver, Sean Cowie entering his third year will look to build on his strong 2006 season as he led the Warriors in receptions with 45 catches for 661 yards. Experienced defensive lineman, Darren Kisinger returns for his final year of eligibility after earning a spot on the 2006 first team all stars. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Kisinger will be relied upon heavily to provide the necessary leadership on and off the field for the young Warrior squad.
In a tight and competitive OUA division, it is imperative that the Warriors jump off to a quick start out of the gate. Heart, determination and team unity will be the necessary ingredients if the Warriors are to battle their way back to the top of the OUA.
WESTERN MUSTANGS
2006: 5th in Conference (5-3) Lost in semi-final to Laurier Golden Hawks
2007: Open at home versus Queen’s – September 3rd @ 7:00pm
The Western Mustangs welcome a new head coach, a new artificial turf surface at TD Waterhouse Stadium and a new era of Mustang football with the addition of 14 key recruits to the family.
With the return of Quarterback Michael Faulds and running back Randy McAuley, in addition to Scott Nason on the offensive line and capable receivers David Clayton and Josh Starr, the Mustangs offence – guided by new head coach and offensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall – will give opposing teams headaches. Marshall, a Mustang alumnus and former Hec Crighton winner, succeeds Larry Haylor, the winningest coach in CIS football history. Haylor leaves his legacy of 178 wins along with two Vanier Cup and eight Yates Cup championships.
The defence loses linebackers Johnny Chehade and John Rowan, but will look to recruits John Surla (Niagara Falls, Ont.) and Nate Fitzsimmons to help fill the holes. Other key returners for defensive co-ordinator Paul Gleason’s defence include defensive back Nick Kordic, who had a successful training camp with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats prior to the 2007 OUA football season. Defensive linemen Glen Larocque, who tried out with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Tom Dolezel will lead the defence up front, while Kordic, and returning defensive backs Cory Watson, Corey McNair and Matt Carapella will make life difficult for opposing receivers.
Special teams co-ordinator Chris Marcus welcomes back Watson as a returner, while Derek Schiavone comes back as one of the top punters and kickers in Canadian university football.
WINDSOR LANCERS
2006: 4th in Conference (6-2) Lost in quarter-final to Western Mustangs
2007: Open at home versus the York Lions- September 3 @ 2:00pm
Coming off a very solid season in 2006 (6-2 and a berth in the OUA Quarter Finals), the 2007 Lancer Football team is knocking on the door of the elite teams in the OUA.
Coach Mike Morencie’s squad returns 14 starters from 2006, including Hec Crighton winner Daryl Stephenson. Stephenson is the two-time CIS rushing leader and is on pace to shatter the CIS all-time rushing record this season.
Returning alongside Stephenson are veteran QB Dan Lumley, CIS All-Canadian WR Glenn MacKay, and OL Matt Morencie. These standouts are as good at their position as anyone in the country and will be a challenge for any opponent’s defense around the league.
On the Lancer defense, the key will be how well their younger players are able to step in and fill the void left by graduated seniors Alan Weekes, Billy Moysiuk and Sasha Glavic.
YORK LIONS
2006: 9th in Conference (1-7)
2007: Open on the road versus the Windsor Lancers- September 3 @ 2:00pm
The York Lions feel the pieces are in place to return to the OUA playoffs this year after a two-year absence from post-season play. With a large and strong recruiting class on campus, the Lions expect to have plenty of competition for playing time all season. At the highest-profile position – quarterback – returnees Bart Zemanek and Mike Crabtree are expected to battle up to six other players, including Concordia transfer Michael Hyatt.
Eight players also figure to be in the running for the starting running back role.
The offensive strength likely will be the receiving corps. An outstanding rookie class enters the sophomore campaign looking to build off a strong 2006. Kevin Walsh, a first-team OUA all-star at kick returner and a second-teamer at receiver, leads that group. Up front, the offensive line is anchored by Dave Gauer, who played in the CIS East-West Bowl this year along with fellow Lions returnees Nick Reynolds (running back) and Anthony Thomas (linebacker).
Several newcomers will push for jobs on both sides of the ball. Two interesting additions at linebacker are Aaron Adusei, a two-time state all-star in Virginia, and Marc Faria, a transfer from Buffalo. Other first-year players to watch include defensive back Cleon Holmes, offensive lineman Brian Buckingham and defensive lineman Corey Pratt.
(Information and team previews provided by Sports Information Directors from each OUA institution)
(Photo Credit: Mike Whitehouse)
