CFC National Playoff Countdowns & Predictions (AB): “We like being the underdog”

Today, CFC continues its exclusive coverage of “National Playoff Countdowns & Predictions”.  Some of these teams are currently ranked in the ‘CFC 50‘ high school poll this season.

In this next installment, CFC#41 Centennial Coyotes Head Coach Garth Melrose gives his thoughts and outlook on the team’s upcoming semi-final game in the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association (CSHSAA) against CFC #1 Notre Dame Pride on Tuesday.

CFC#41 CENTENNIAL COYOTES VERSUS CFC#1 NOTRE DAME PRIDE:

It’s a huge task for CFC#41 Centennial Coyotes.

On Tuesday, the Coyotes will face the stiffest challenge of the season as the team gets set to battle the nationally top ranked CFC#1 Notre Dame Pride in one of two  Calgary Tier 1 semi-finals.

Not too long ago, these two teams did tangle in a regular season game.  Back on October 23^rd, the Pride defeated the Coyotes 38-26.

However, the stakes are much higher now.  It’s win or go home for both teams.

“Notre Dame is a very well coached team with an exceptional athlete at quarterback,” assessed Coyotes Head Coach Garth Melrose.  “They don’t have an area of weakness to attack; we just have to play our best football.”

 

The Coyotes will have their sights set on three Pride standouts – CFC 100 athlete Colton Hunchak, Myles Brown and defensive back (safety) Bo Lewis.

There will be several players expected to lead the Coyotes counterattack against the Pride.  Those include CFC 100 quarterback Hunter Guenard, CFC 100 offensive lineman Brendan Barnes, receiver Evan Dutton, tailback Robert Stewart, Jadin White (running back/defensive back), defensive end Mason Johnson and linebacker Wyatt Wright.

While the Coyotes are not the favourites coming into the game, the team is just fine with that and are prepared to take on the challenge of facing the top ranked team in the nation.

“We have our work cut out for us and are up for the task,” expressed Melrose.  “We like being the underdog.”

PREDICTION: Notre Dame Pride 35, Centennial Coyotes 25

CFC#41 CENTENNIAL COYOTES:

2014 RECORD: 4-4

HEAD COACH: Garth Melrose

COACHING STAFF:  Adam Sandbeck (Quarterbacks Coach), Phil Beckett (Running Backs Coach), Garry Lehew  (Offensive Line Coach), Sharir Ali (Offensive Line Coach), Ryan Lyth (Receivers Coach), Greg Warnock (Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers Coach), Tony Israel  (Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach), Byron Roberts (Defensive Line Coach)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Hunter Guenard (quarterback – CFC 100), Brendan Barnes (offensive line – CFC 100), Tyler Brady (offensive line), Robert Stewart (running back), Matt Luzentales-Simpson (running back), Ryan Klughart (running back), Evan Dutton (receiver), Cordell Hastings (receiver), Wyatt Wright (middle linebacker), Mason Johnson (defensive end), Jacob Steel (defensive back), Bennet Yardy (defensive back)

CFC#1 NOTRE DAME PRIDE:

2014 RECORD: 6-0

HEAD COACH: David Diluzio

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Colton Hunchak (athlete – CFC 100), Myles Brown, Bo Lewis (defensive back – safety)