PREVIEW: “We want to improve on 2013…we want to contend for a Tier 2 Championship”

Canadafootballchat.com is previewing 80 high schools in 40 days.  As the previews are announced, you can find them here on CFC.

What is #HSpreviewCFC?

#HSpreviewCFC is the Twitter hashtag to use if you want to get involved in the discussion or just follow along.

ST. JOAN OF ARC THUNDER (YRAA – MAPLE, ONTARIO):

One team ready to take the next step is the St. Joan of Arc Thunder of the York Region Athletic Association (YRAA).

“We want to improve on 2013,” commented Thunder Head Coach Fabio Brusco who will begin his eighth season at the helm.  “In Tier 2, the team only lost to Newmarket by 2 points in semi-final and St. Max early in the season.”

“Therefore, we want to contend for a Tier 2 Championship.”

A team that is described as “family” by Brusco, the Thunder will have the advantage of experience and depth on their roster.

“Our senior team has many returning players,” explained the Thunder Head Coach. “It was a team made of mainly grade 11’s last year, and they experienced success.”

“So we look forward to seeing most of the team back for 2014.”

Among the core of returning players are YRAA All-Star running back/linebacker Morris McIymont, receiver/defensive back Aiden Seo, fullback/linebacker Domenic Tuzi, linebacker Emmanuel Mensah, running back/defensive bac/linebacker Michael Argany and tight end/defensive end Malik Scott.

“Aiden is superfast and a tough receiver/defensive back with good hands,” assessed Brusco of his key returnees.  “Domenic is a tough football player, with great athletic ability.”

Emanuel is very strong and had a lot of success in his first season of playing football last year.  Michael is an amazing athlete, great tackler, ball carrier and ball tracker.  Last season was cut short for him due to injury.  Malik Scott is an experienced player with good hands, and tackling ability.”

Peter Deluca is expected to be the starting quarterback while Augustino Perrone will serve as backup.

Peter is a quarterback with great poise in the pocket, an accurate throw and great understanding of the game,” added Brusco.

The team will have to compensate for the losses of quarterback Daniel Tari, tight end Franco Vonasek and receiver/defensive back Joseph Pellegrino.

“We have experience at the younger ages,” assessed Brusco of a possible weakness this season for the Thunder.  “More players are starting to get introduced to football earlier in Vaughan, however many of our players are still new to the game.”

As for what to expect from both the Thunder offensive and defensive units, Brusco gave a brief preview.

“We will have a balanced offensive attack as well as a fundamentally sound defense,” offered the Thunder Head Coach.

As for competition against their opponents, the Thunder is expecting some tough battles.  At this point the team is unsure how they would measure up to teams in Tier 1 should they ever make the move.  In the interim, the team has their sights set on the Tier 2 Championship.

“We were a Tier 2 team in 2013 losing in close games to only Newmarket and St. Max,” expressed Brusco.  “We would like to improve to the point where we will beat these teams and earn a Tier 2 Title.”

“We do not know how we can fare against Tier 1 contenders Huron Heights, King and Bill Crothers so we will declare Tier 2 again in 2014 if the YRAA format stays the same as 2013.”

 

ST. JOAN OF ARC THUNDER (YRAA – MAPLE, ONTARIO):

2013 RECORD: 4-3 (regular season and playoffs included)

HEAD COACH: Fabio Brusco (eighth season)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: 9

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE: 9

KEY RETURNEES: Morris Mclymont (running back/linebacker), Aiden Seo (receiver/defensive back), Domenic Tuzi (fullback/linebacker), Emanuel Mensah (linebacker), Michael Argany (tight end/defensive end), Malik Scott (tight end/defensive end), Peter Deluca (quarterback)

KEY LOSSES: Daniel Tari (quarterback), Franco Vonasek (tight end), Joseph Pellegrino (receiver/defensive back)