BCFC: Okanagan Today previews season opener in Kamloops (video)

Brendan Osborne and Okanagan Today preview the season opener Sunday night, July 31 in Kamloops against the Kamloops Broncos.

CLICK HERE for full BCFC preview by Ryan Watters

Below exert from Ryan Watters BCFC preview

OKANAGAN SUN – 9-1 (2010 record)

For the first time since 2005 the Okanagan Sun finished with the best record in the BCFC. They would finish first on “points for and against” and would host the Cullen Cup Championship game.

They would beat the Victoria Rebels in the BCFC semi-final before hosting their arch rivals from Nanaimo. The Sun would eventually fall 16-14 to the Raiders in one most the exciting and well balanced championship games in recent memory.

This offseason the Sun organization made the biggest change at the head coaching position. They would promote Defensive Coordinator Jason Casey to the head role as he becomes the third head coach in four years. Casey will remain the “DC” while Tony Lindsey remains the Offensive Coordinator.

Local product Bobby Davis returns for his second year as the starting quarterback; however will be pushed this season by two others behind him. Davis finished 2010 with 108 completions in 206 attempts. He would pass for 20 touchdowns and 2,168 yards, second only to CJFL Offensive Player of the Year, Jordan Yantz from the Raiders. Davis would also rush for 394 yards on 55 carries and scored five times.

The biggest offensive piece the Sun lose is All Canadian receiver Matt Scheurwater. The fifth year Calgary native graduates after owning a number of team and league records. With Scheurwater gone, the bulk of the passes should be thrown in the direction of fourth year receiver Dan Turek. The Winnipeg native received a main camp invitation from the BC Lions this season which will add to the confidence and learning of Turek. Knowing that teams will watch Turek’s every move, the Sun have recruited heavily at the receiver position. The Sun believe their much improved offensive line in 2010 has grown stronger this year with the addition of some key pieces.

The Sun defense was one of the, if the best in the CJFL in 2010, allowing just 104 points scored against. The 2011 version should be just as dominate as Steven Doege in his third season is bigger and stronger and has the potential to be the top defensive lineman in the country this year after 11.5 sacks in 2010.

The biggest question is the kicker position with Steven Shott on the shelf for the beginning of the year due to injury. Shott was terrific kicking the ball in 2010 and hit a new CJFL record 57 yarder against the Rebels

The Sun will travel to Kamloops on Sunday to open the 2011 season. The same place they opened the year in 2010.

KAMLOOPS BRONCOS – 3-7 (2010 record)

It was an excellent rebuilding year for the Broncos in 2010. They would record their first ever win against a “top four” team after beating the Rams at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops.

The biggest move comes at the top as Duncan Olthuis takes over as the head coach following the resignation of Rob Ellis. Olthuis spent nine seasons as the head man of the South Kamloops secondary junior program before getting the call to join the Broncos. He played junior football in Kamloops with the old Kamloops Cowboys.

Offensively the Broncos return quarterbacks Jesse Neufeld and Dylan LaPrairie a year older and wiser. They also pick up Drew Jacobsen who spent time with the Sun in 2010. At receiver the Broncos will have one of their most dangerous weapons back in Darcy Macdonald along with running backs Clayton Ludba and Sheldon Brown.

Once again the Broncos strength should be their defense as they return a majority of players. Mitch Day and Tyler Lee will again be asked to carry the load. The offense should be much improved as well following their growth last year.

The Broncos also return kicker Aaron Smit, fresh off his BC Lions invitation to main camp. Smit tallied 48 points last year.

The Broncos played the first ever BCFC game in Prince George last Saturday and fell to the Huskers 19-14 in an exhibition game. Their first regular season game is set for Sunday at home when they host the Okanagan Sun.