#CFCHSFB PREVIEW (MB): New look Raiders open season against Lancers

The Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL) kicks off this Thursday night with the match up of league champions Oak Park Raiders hosting the Dakota Lancers at 5 p.m. These two teams met last season on one occasion. Oak Park took the game by a 46-14 score.

The Oak Park Raiders may have a tough time repeating as champions this fall as they will have to face some key changes. The Raiders will be without all-star running back Brady Oliveira. Oliveira is now with the University of North Dakota. Missing from the defence this year is Machuor Akau, Alex Eblering and Tyrone Hastings who were all playmakers for the Raiders. Also, quarterback Ethandi Akow has moved on and won’t be with the team.

For the Dakota Lancers making the playoffs is the goal in mind this season. The Lancers made the playoffs last year but lost to the Grant Park Pirates in the quarterfinals. Colby Kyliuk will lead the way for the Lancers offense. Kyliuk has running back Somto Anyadike and receiver Conor Nedelec returning to help the offense move the ball. On the defensive side of the ball three out of four linemen will be back. The Lancers are hoping this will reinstate the same strong defense Dakota has been known for in the past.

Overall this should make for a great football game Thursday night. Oak Park has a strong tradition of having great teams and Dakota is gaining respect every season. The Dakota program may not be as old as Oak Park but they have some great coaches and with their youth they could make some heads turn this season and beating Oak Park would be a start. Oak Park is going through some changes with losing key players but will still be a strong team as they look to repeat as champions and no one should take them lightly.

 

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