#CFC50 high school preview (Huron Heights Warriors – ON): Warriors have strong program and community support

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The #CFC50 ranked No. 9 Huron Heights Warriors are quite simply an unstoppable force. Coming off a dominant championship season that finished with a one sided 48-0 victory in the OFSAA Simcoe Bowl, the Huron Heights football program has established a winning culture and a coaching environment which allows every player to reach their full potential. Led by longtime head coach, Al Rover, and their highly experienced offensive coordinator, Heath Weir, the Warriors are returning some key players from last year’s championship roster and look poised to thrive once again in 2016.

HURON HEIGHTS WARRIORS (YRAA – NEWMARKET, ONTARIO):

With the 2016 season right around the corner, the #CFC50 ranked No. 9 Warriors are gearing up for another championship run. The Warriors are returning multiple starters on both sides of the ball, and the Huron Heights football program is well stocked with numerous key players who are ready to be a force in 2016.

On offense, the Warriors have a strong cast of returning veterans who will make for a highly effective rushing attack. Although some players are moving to new positions, the Warriors are returning their starting quarterback, and have plenty of talent on the offensive line to move the ball against any opponent they face. The Warriors’ offensive coordinator, Heath Weir, has experience at the NCAA Division-I level and will be sure to get the most out of the team’s key returning pieces.

“Offensively, the Warriors will be led by a number of returning Seniors including QB Colin Grant, RB Micheal Strumos, RB Aiden Mielczarek and C Alex Witton,” coach Weir said. “With both Witton and Mielczarek changing positions this season, that leaves RB Micheal Strumos as the only Warrior to start in the same position for the past 20 straight games.”

“Along the line of scrimmage the Warriors will be counting on OT Alex Kaminski and Team Canada Gold Medalist G Mathew Goodall,” added Weir.

Goodall is listed at No. 28 in our current #CFC100 player rankings, and at 6’7 300 lbs, he is a player that epitomizes the Warriors’ team name in every way.

When it comes to defense, the Warriors possess some of the best athletes and overall defensive players in the province. Beginning with their invaluable middle linebacker, Phil Girouard, the Warriors field a ferocious defense that can shut down any offensive look.

“Defensively, the Warriors will be led up front by arguably the best middle linebacker in the Province in Phil Girouard,” offered coach Weir. “Phil has quietly gone about his business of making plays and leading Ontario’s #1 defense for the past 2 seasons averaging less than 3 points per game.”

The Warriors’ highly touted defensive group will contain several other impact players as well, including #CFC100 Danny McWhirter at defensive back, Chase Szabo at halfback, and Justin Simpson at linebacker. McWhirter, one of the main players to watch on the Warriors this season, just represented Canada at the 2017 International Bowl.

Part of the Warriors’ vaunted defense will also be Daniel Stefanyk, a formidable two-way player who is crucial to the Warriors’ overall success in 2016.

“The X-Factor this season will be DE/OL Daniel Stefanyk,” coach Weir said. “At 6-3, 215, Stefanyk has had an outstanding off-season of training and has all the tools to be impact player in all 3 facets of the game.”

The Warriors’ quarterback situation is solidified this season with returning starter, Colin Grant, leading the charge once again on offense. Heath Weir’s offensive system at Huron Heights relies on highly athletic and intelligent play at the quarterback position, and Colin Grant is the perfect player for the job.

“Colin Grant will once again be taking the snaps from Center,” offered offensive coordinator, Heath Weir. “Colin enjoyed an outstanding 2015 campaign rushing for over 1000 yards, while leading the team to a 9-1 record and an OFSAA Simcoe Bowl Championship.”

Grant can be expected to enjoy another successful season on the ground in an offense that is built for a quarterback with his running ability.

“Offensively we run the Triple Option. Fear the Veer!,” said coach Weir when describing the Warrior’s offensive philosophy.

On defense, the Warriors know they have enough talent and versatility all over the field to find a way to slow down any offense they face

“Defensively, we do whatever we have to do to keep the opposing team’s offense out of our end zone,” coach Weir said.

Coming off a monster season, the expectations for 2016 are just as high. In fact, just like their dedication to excellence, the goals and expectations at Huron Heights are the definition of consistent and go beyond the game of football.

“Our expectations and goals are the same each year and never change,” the Warriors’ coach said. “We have 3: 1) For our players to be successful in the classroom, 2) for our program to make an impact in our community, and 3) on the field, to get back to the YRAA Championship and have an opportunity to play in an OFSAA Bowl.”

The Warriors enjoy a tremendous showing of support and backing from their community and Booster Club, and coach Weir describes the Warriors program and everyone involved as being a family.

“The Huron Heights Warriors Football Program is a FAMILY in every sense of the word,” described coach Weir. “We literally have 2 and 3 generations of family members that have played. We have families that see 2, 3, 4 and 5 sons play for our Program.”

It is clear that once you are a Warrior, you are always a Warrior. This pride and connection to the program shows in the Warriors’ Booster Club and their coaching staff filled with loyal alumni.

“Our Booster Club is full of former Warriors, parents and community members all giving back,” coach Weir said. “We also have a number of current and former player’s dads and brothers coaching with us.”

“The LOYALTY of our Alumni is second to none, with current & former university and CFL players making it a point to come back and speak with the team,” added the Warriors’ coach. “It says right on the back of our new Alternative Jerseys “Family, Honour, Loyalty.”

Providing the perfect environment for sustained success, the Warriors football program also recognizes how fundamentally important the support of the school administration has been to the winning ways at Huron Heights.

“Aside from the players, coaches, alumni and Booster Club over the years the Huron Heights’ school administration has been instrumental in the team’s success,” pointed out coach Weir. “Without the administration’s backing many of the Warriors accomplishments would not have come to fruition. The current Admin team led by Principal Mirella Sanwalka has been outstanding in in their support of the coaches and players.”

Looking at the approaching regular season schedule, the Warriors know that despite their experience and returning talent it will not be an easy road to a repeat championship.

“This year York Region will be as tough as ever,” offered coach Weir. “Over the past 7 seasons, 4 different teams have won the YRAA. We expect every game to be a dog fight and feel this will be a fun and exciting year!

HURON HEIGHTS WARRIORS (YRAA – NEWMARKET, ONTARIO):

2015 RECORD: 9-1 (York Region Champions, OFSAA Simcoe Bowl Champions)

#CFC50 2016 RANKING: No. 9

HEAD COACH: Al Rover

ASSISTANT COACHES: Heath Weir (offensive coordinator), Josh Scott (defensive coordinator), Karim Grant (defensive line), Brent Weir (offensive line), Ezra Millington (defensive backs/receivers), Townson Ramsey (receivers), Brett Murray (line coach)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: 4

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE: 5

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Colin Grant (quarterback), Michael Strumos (running back), Aiden Mielczarek (running back), Alex Witton (centre), #CFC100 Mathew Goodall (guard), Alex Kaminski (offensive tackle), Phil Girouard (middle linebacker), Chase Szabo (halfback), Justin Simpson (linebacker), #CFC100 Danny McWhirter (defensive back)

KEY LOSSES: Gregg Anderson (fullback), Skyler McMurtry (running back), Light Ariajegbe (defensive back), Zach Needler (wide receiver), Matthew Dtta (centre), Tyler Harbin (guard), Jamie Hollingworth (halfback), Tom Higgins (defensive end), Dawson Santigato (wide receiver)

“X” FACTOR: Daniel Stefanyk (defensive end/offensive line)

 

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