AUS Season Preview: Acadia Axemen hungry to successfully defend Conference Championship

ACADIA AXEMEN (ACA):

2011 Record:   7-1, playoff record was 1-1 as the Axemen defeated Saint Mary’s Huskies to win Loney Bowl and were crowned 2011 AUS Conference Champions but lost in Uteck Bowl (national semi-final) 45-21 to McMaster Marauders.

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Jeff Cummins (10th season, will also serve as offensive line coach)
Assistants:  Peter Fraser (offensive line/special teams), Shad McLachlan (defensive coordinator/linebackers), Chris Judd (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Larry Stewart (offensive line), Sean Hall (defensive secondary), A.J Tufford (receivers).

It’s clear that the Acadia Axemen are not only hungry to successfully defend their 2011 AUS Championship crown, but want to bring back a national championship title to Wolfville.  With a returning core of veteran players plus a new crop of recruits, the Axemen look solid and will be the hands on favourite in the conference.

OFFENSE:  The Axemen have eight returning players on the unit.  The offensive game execution plan will be led by fifth year quarterback Kyle Graves.  He had a sensational 2011 campaign where he named AUS MVP in 2011, a Hec Creighton nominee and was invited to attend the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes training camp.  Last season, the pivot led the AUS in four categories (offensive touchdowns, total offense, passing yards and passing touchdowns) and ranked fifth in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) with 17 touchdown passes.

Two additional dangerous threats on the unit are fifth year receiver Mike Squires and fourth year running back Zack Skibin.  Squires was named a first team all-Canadian slotback and conference all-star as he was first in the AUS for receiving touchdowns and second in receptions.  The receiver also signed in the offseason with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders.  As for Skibin, he comes off the heels of a stellar performance in the East-West game where he scored the only major for the East team.

Another key offensive returnee to watch for on offense is fifth year offensive lineman, Tyler Honeywood.  Recently, he was one of four Axemen players who attended the CFL Combine.

Key losses for the offensive unit include offensive lineman Travis Miller, and receivers Stu Chow and A.J Durling.  New recruits that will be looked upon to fill the voids on the unit include offensive lineman from Manitock, Ontario Chris Fanning (St. Mark’s all-star/Myers Riders all-star and Team Ontario East), receiver from Fall River, Nova Scotia Brian Jones (Lockview Dragons all-star, Team Nova Scotia), and tailback Thomas Troop from Alliston, Ontario (Banting Memorial MVP, TNT Express MVP).

DEFENSE:  This unit will be headed by six returning starters.  Fourth year defensive backs Cam Wade and Alex Graham will lead the way for the Axemen defense.  Wade is regarded as one of the best defensive players in the CIS and his impact on the field was recognized as he was named a first-team All-Canadian and AUS all-star.  He led the AUS in in forced fumbles.  As for Graham, he participated at the East-West game and brings great versatility on the field.

Fourth year veteran Ed McNally will be one to watch for on defense in the linebacker position.  In 2011, he registered 42 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries.  Another key returnee on the Axemen defensive unit is fifth year defensive lineman John Wilson who was a conference all-star.  Wilson caught two interceptions, accumulated four sacks and seven tackles for a loss.  He is physical and possesses great speed.

Key losses on the unit include defensive backs Mike Rostance and Graeme Richardson, defensive linemen Jake Thomas (conference lineman of the year) and Andrew Frazer and linebacker Tom Labenski (defensive player of the year).  The Axemen defense hopes to fill the gaps with key recruits that include defensive backs Suleiman Semalulu from Gatineau Quebec (Champlain Cougars/Ottawa Sooners) and Will Wojcik from Orleans, Ontario (Cumberland Panthers all-star/Team Ontario East).  Aaron King transfers to the Axemen from the Waterloo Warriors.  The Cambridge, Nova Scotia defensive lineman participated in the 2010 East-West Game.

SPECIAL TEAMS:  Kyle Graves leads this unit.  Last season, he was an all-conference punter.  Two key losses on this unit are long snapper Mike Benson (now with CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos’ practice roster) and Mike Rostance.

“We can’t wait to get out on the field and defend the conference championship,” comments Axemen head coach Jeff Cummins, who returns for his tenth season as head coach. “We return a veteran group on offense who expects to put points on the board.”

“Defensively, there may be a few new faces on but I believe in our players, our staff and the system we use to carry us through any transitional period. It’s always a great day to be an Axemen and 2012 won’t be any different.”

The Acadia Axemen hosts St. Francis Xavier X-Men for a preseason game on Saturday September 1st, 2012 at 2:00pm.  Official defence of their AUS Championship Title begins on Saturday September 8th, 2012 as they host the Saint Mary’s Huskies.  Kickoff is 2:00pm.

Saint Mary’s Huskies (SMU):

2011 Record:  6-2, lost to the Acadia Axemen in the 2011 AUS Championship Final (Loney Bowl)

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Perry Marchese (1st season, will also serve as offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach)
Assistants:  Devin Murphy (defensive coordinator/linebackers) Kelly Ireland (offensive line), Steve Watts (special teams/defensive backs), Derek Weber (defensive line), Joe Taplin (linebackers),  Jon Shreve (receivers), Charlie Toth (offensive line), Paul Flemming (receivers), Dean Jones (running backs), Louis Perez (running backs) and John McGowan (kickers)

What are the most intriguing storylines going into the 2012 AUS season surround the Saint Mary’s Huskies.  How will the team respond to new head coach, Perry Marchese along with the new systems that have been put into place?   Will we see gaps exposed on the field as a result of the late recruitment drive by the team?  The Huskies hope that their strong core of returning players on both units and the addition of some blue chip recruits will be enough to catapult them to the top of the AUS conference.  Now it’s showtime for Marchese and the Huskies.  It’s the’s team’s opportunity to silence the critics by proving they are once again competitive in the conference while demonstrating they never lost a step.

OFFENSE:  Fourth year quarterback Jack Creighton will anchor the Huskies unit.  One thing to watch for is the connection between the veteran pivot and fifth year receiver Jahmeek Taylor.  This duo will be dangerous on the field.

There are two recruits that will be counted upon to play a significant role on the offensive unit.  Receiver Louis Stephen from Bedford, Nova Scotia (Charles P Allen all-star and Team Nova Scotia) and running back Jeremy Haggerty from Hamilton, Ontario (Highland/Ironmen and Team Ontario West) will be expected to make an immediate impact on the team.

DEFENSE:  The Huskies defensive unit will be led by two returnees.  Fifth year defensive end Rob Jubenville and fourth year defensive back Neil King will be expected to make significant contributions on the field and provide leadership on the unit.

Defensive back Jack Gatza from Burlington, Ontario (Assumption/Burlington Stampeders/Team Ontario West) is a key rookie to watch for on the field.  Moreover, linebacker Makenzie Fox from Bedford, Nova Scotia (Charles P Allen Cheetahs) is expected to make an immediate impact.

SPECIAL TEAMS:  The Huskies hope the strength of this unit will result in success in 2012..

“We continue to work hard and build on our great work ethic,” comments Huskies rookie head coach Perry Marchese.  “We expect to compete on every play as if it were our last.”

“I expect professionalism and respect for our community from the players.”

The Saint Mary’s Huskies travel to Sackville, New Brunswick to take on the Mount Allison Mounties in a preseason game.  The game will take place on Saturday September 1st, 2012 at 2:00pm.  As for the regular season, the Huskies will hit the road to meet the defending AUS Champions, the Acadia Axemen on Saturday September 8th, 2012 in Wolfville.  Kickoff is 2:00pm.

St. Francis Xavier X-Men (ST.FX):

2011 Record:  2-6, lost to Saint Mary’s Huskies in 2011 AUS Conference semi-finals

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Gary Waterman (4th season)
Assistants:  Jonathon Svec (defensivecoordinator), Don Davis, Josh Lambert (special teams/quarterbacks), Terry Chisholm (running backs), Dave Bance (defensive line), Calvin Mims (assistant defensive line), Stephen Epsie (defensive backs), Chris Johnson (assistant offensive line), Tom Narbaitz (assistant defensive backs), Dan Arpin (assistant running backs), Adam Chisholm (kickers)

One the teams on the rise in the AUS Conference, the St. Francis Xavier X-Men are looking to improve on last year’s record and make a move up the standings.  This is a team stockpiled with many veteran players who are in their third, fourth and fifth years.  Early in their careers with the X-Men, these veteran players were rewarded with playing time and this will serve to be strength for the team this season.  Moreover, these players will be expected to provide leadership.

OFFENSE:  There are nine returning starters on the unit.  The X-Men offense will be led by a quartet of veteran players.  2010 AUS Rookie of the Year and 2011 conference all-star Jordan Catherall will be a dangerous offensive threat.  The third year wide receiver will factor significantly into the X-Men’s offensive game execution plans.

Fifth year slotback Andrew Hickey brings versatility onto the field while third year wide receiver Devon Bailey will use his size to his advantage.  The 6’5 wide receiver was a force on the field last season as he amassed 231 yards in 18 catches.

The 2012 offensive line is the most experienced and strongest one the X-Men has seen in some time.  Third year lineman Terry Hart from Barrie, Ontario will be looked upon to lead this unit to success.

However, there have been some key losses on this unit.  Offensive linemen Vlad Orlov and Mitch Molinaro, wide receiver Michael Hopper and running back Aloysuis Williams have moved on but the X-Men had a successful recruiting drive to compensate for the losses.

Offensive lineman Colin Girouard from Fredericton, New Brunswick highlights the rookie class.  The 6’4, 275 pound lineman was Southwestern Conference Lineman of the Year in 2011.  Quarterbacks Clayton Masikewich from Calgary, Alberta (Calgary Colts-PFC Rookie Quarterback of the Year) and Yannick Rickli from Brampton, Ontario (Ottawa Sooners) will be an integral part of the offensive line game execution plans for the X-Men.

DEFENSE:  With nine returning players, the X-Men look to be strong in this area.  This unit has not only gotten bigger in size, but also has veteran linebackers and a secondary that is quick and athletic.

Linebackers Brett Hubbeard and Ron Omara will lead the defensive unit.  Hubbeard is entering his third season with the X-Men and hopes to build on the 2011 breakout campaign which saw him register 44 tackles (including nine which resulted for a loss).  In 2011, Hubbeard was selected the AUS all-star team and received an invitation to the East-West Bowl Game.  As for Omara, his statistics were equally impressive in the 2011 season.  The second year linebacker had 40 tackles, caught an interception and registered a sack.

Two other defensive returnees to watch for are defensive lineman Nate Annan and defensive back Dylan Hollohan.  Annan is a fourth year veteran who was a previous AUS Rookie of the Year.  Hollohan looks to rebound from a tough 2011 campaign which was plague with injuries.  The defensive back was an All-Canadian in 2009.

Defensive back Demetrius Ferguson highlights the rookies on the unit.  The Nassau, Bahamas native comes to the X-Men after a successful career with the Holland College Hurricanes of the Atlantic Football League (AFL).  He was league MVP twice during his career with the Hurricanes.  Hayden Peters from Inverary, Ontario (2011 KASSAA All-star, Syndenham) will play at the defensive back position.  Defensive lineman Peter Dominic from Calgary, Alberta (Calgary Colts) rounds out the key rookies to watch for on the X-Men defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS:  Fifth year long snapper Ryan Olsen (also plays linebacker) will be looked upon to provide leadership on this unit.  Meanwhile, second year returner Damone Williams hopes to improve on a great 2011 rookie campaign where he accumulated 511 kick return yards and averaged 22.2 yards.  The key loss for the X-Men on this unit is kicker Anthony Alix, who has joined the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

“I am extremely excited to take the field for the 2012 football season,” comments X-Men head Coach Gary Waterman.   “I am very impressed with the amount of maturity that our players have shown throughout this offseason.”

“It has been very rewarding to watch this young team grow, and I cannot wait to see that experience translate onto the field.”

The Saint Francis Xavier X-Men will take on the defending AUS Champions, the Acadia Axemen in Wolfville for a preseason game on Saturday September 1st, 2012.  Game time is 2:00pm.  The following week, the team travels to New Brunswick to take on the Mount Allison Mounties in the opening game of the AUS regular season under Friday night lights.  The game is on September 7th, 2012 at 7:00pm.

Mount Allison Mounties (MTA):

2011 Record:  0-8

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Kelly Jeffrey (fifth season)
Assistants:  Scott Brady (defensive coordinator), Gaetan Richard (offensive line), Terry Tait (assistant offensive line), Chris Hopkins (defensive line), Pete Miller (linebackers), Shane Mosher (receivers), Gord Francis (running backs) and Marcel Dupuis (DFO)

A team that is hoping for a reversal of fortunes in 2012, the Mount Allison Mounties hopes that their core of returning players coupled with a strong incoming rookie class will get them into the win column.  The players take pride in playing for the Mounties and will be counted upon to to bring passion, relentlessness, intelligence, discipline and execution onto the field.

OFFENSE:  Quarterback Jake Hotchkiss will lead the Mounties offensive game execution plans on the field.  The pivot will look to connect on the field with wide receiver Josh Blanchard.  Alex Healy and Stephen Armstrong will head up the offensive line for the team.

Rookie running back Jordan Botel from Prince George, British Columbia (CJFL all-star with Vancouver Island Raiders) has already made an immediate impact on the Mounties.

“Jordan Botel has impressed early in training camp and adds to the quality of the backfield,” adds Mounties head coach Kelly Jeffrey.

As for the game plan for this unit, it will be a familiar style of play.

“Offensively, we will again be a pistol style, ground and pound offense,” explains the Mounties head coach.

DEFENSE:  Led by last season’s AUS Rookie of the Year, defensive tackle Jacob Leblanc, the team boasts one of the strongest front seven on this unit.  Other key returnees include linebackers Justin Richard and Ben Halpern, defensive back Tyler Nadolny and defensive end Ryan Downe.

On the rookie front for the unit, Michael Bohan has successfully made the transition to playing defense after playing in the quarterback position throughout his high school career.  The 6’2, 190 pound defensive end from Sackville, New Brunswick (high school league MVP with Tantramar) has shown through key plays in camp that he is ready to make significant contributions on the defensive core.

We have an aggressive attacking style defense lead by a strong front seven,” says Jeffery of the unit.

SPECIAL TEAMS:  Two returning players will give the Mounties an advantage in this area.  Kicker Alec Curtis and punter Kyle McLean will provide leadership in this unit.

“We need to ensure ball security, limit the big play on defense, and have a monster punt game,” assesses the Mounties head coach of what the keys to success for the Mounties will be in the 2012 AUS campaign.   “We need to reestablish ball security on offense and do a better job of winning on first down on defense.”

“We have a quality group of returners and are excited about the newcomers on both offense and defense.”

The Mount Allison Mounties host the Saint Mary’s Huskies for a preseason game on Saturday September 1st, 2012 at 2:00pm.  The 2012 AUS regular season commences for the Mounties under Friday Night Lights the following week (September 7th) as the team hosts the St. Francis Xavier X-Men.  Kickoff is 7:00pm.

Acadia Axemen Photo courtesy of Mona Ghiz
(website: http://www.ghizphotos.ifp3.com/)
Perry Marchese Photo courtesy of Saint Mary’s Athletics Website

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