September 2, 2009
TORONTO VARSITY BLUES FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Toronto Varsity Blues - OUA
2008 regular season record: 2-6
2008 regular season standings: 8th
2008 playoff record: n/a
2008 playoff finish: n/a
General Write-Up:
The Varsity Blues football team snapped their 49-game losing streak in their first game of 2008 season. First-year kicker Andrew Lomasney's field goal in the dying minutes of the game helped secure the 18-17 victory over the Waterloo Warriors at Varsity Centre.
Under the guidance of head coach Greg DeLaval and the leadership of Russ Jackson award winner David Hamilton, the Blues also went on to reclaim their first Argo Cup in 12 years in the annual Red & Blue bowl against the York Lions.
Although the Blues graduated key veterans such as Hamilton, CIS all-Canadian Mark Stinson and top receiver Cory Kenney, DeLaval has high hopes and a positive outlook for the 2009 Blues. With a year under his belt and new leadership emerging, the Blues turn to third-year pivot Andrew Gillis to maintain the forward momentum gained from last season's milestone victories.
Toronto will also rely on a solid defensive unit that includes, three-time OUA all-star Derek Batchelor as well as backs Matt Morris and Kyle Kennedy, while Scott Smith, Wilkerson DeSouza and Mark Evans will lead troops up front.
Quote from head coach Greg DeLaval:
"We've got a lot of good players doing a lot of good things out here," said DeLaval. "The intensity level amongst the players is high, which is great because we have a lot to work on as we prepare for the upcoming season. We lost some key players on offence and a lot of veteran leadership but I'm confident that our recruits and younger players can respond to the challenges they'll face."
Head Coach Greg DeLaval:
- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2009): 2
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2009): 2
- Career regular season record with team: 2-6
- Career regular season record in CIS: 2-6
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 2-6
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 2-6
Offence
Key returning players:
Fourth-year OL Chris Kowalczuk
Third-year RB Walter Cariazo…rushed 39 times for 132 yards and made 10 receptions for 86 yards in 2008.
Third-year receiver Drew Meerveld…made 23 receptions for 287 yards in 2008.
Third-year receiver Michael Prempeh…made 16 receptions for 214 yards and one TD in 2008.
Key recruits:
Receiver Ahad Bandealy from Orlando, Florida
Offensive lineman Corey Hafezi from Leaside H.S. in Toronto, Ont.
Offensive lineman Harold Lee from A.B. Lucas S.S. in London, Ont.
Slotback Codi Rossi from Vancouver College in Vancouver, B.C….was named a conference all-star in 2007 and 200…named a provincial all-star and the most inspirational player in 2008.
Key losses:
Mark Stinson, David Hamilton, Cory Kennedy, Dave Scott-McDowell, Cameron Deans
Defence
Key returning players:
Fourth-year DB Derek Batchelor – three-time OUA all-star…ranked second on the team with 34 solo tackles, 35.5 total tackles in 2008…led the Blues with four sacks.
Third-year DB Matt Morris – invited to the 2009 CFL E-Camp…dressed all eight games, started at free safety for five…made 14 kick returns for 347 yards…recorded 12 solo tackles.
Fourth-year DL Mark Evans…dressed and started in all eight games in 2008…recorded 14 solo tackles and three sacks.
Third-year DB Kyle Kennedy…recorded 15 solo tackles and a team-high three interceptions in 2008…named the Blues defensive back of the year.
Key recruits (or newcomers: transfers):
LB Andrew Feshanets from Mississauga, Ont.…played for the Mississauga Warriors in the OVFL…named both the special teams and defensive most valuable player...won the OVFL championship in 2008.
DL Giovanni Boscariol from Burnaby, B.C.
Key losses:
Lincoln Bryan
2009 OUA FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
Guelph Gryphons
McMaster Marauders
Ottawa Gee-Gees
Queen's Gaels
Toronto Varsity Blues
Waterloo Warriors
Western Mustangs
Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks
Windsor Lancers
York Lions
Source: Toronto Varsity Blues
