#CFCHSFB PREVIEW (ONT): CFC#11 Spartans excited to begin after turbulent offseason

Head Coach Scott Price will lean on senior players as CFC#11 Lorne Park Spartans gear up for Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) Tier 1 play.

The Spartans have endured an interesting calendar year. After nearly missing the playoffs in ROPSSAA play last season, the Spartans finished the season winning their league and OFSSAA Bowl match-up.

Instead of business as usual during the spring and summer months, a labor dispute with the teachers threatened the possibility of a 2015 football season across Ontario. Now that all matters have been taken care of off the field, the Spartans prepare for an opportunity to defend their ROPSSAA crown with a senior-laden roster.

With the start of the regular season about a week away, Price oversees his offense and defense participating in separate drills. Knowing what was at stake a few weeks ago, Price senses relief and excitement with his roster as the Spartans practice into the afternoon sun.

“These guys are pretty fired up. With the labor situation, it caused a lot of doubts,” said Price.  “A lot of kids were worried there wouldn’t be any fall football.”

“They knew the kind of group they were going to have back with the championship experience. So as soon as the labor situation was taken care of and we got the go ahead to commence football, it’s been like Christmas day for these kids.”

Many of the returning players discussed the team’s slow start last season and how it affected their performance. Spartans’ free safety David Clausen noted the importance of having good practices as it directly relates to performances in the game.

“The dynamic of the practice is what takes place in the game,” said Clausen.  “Last year the practices at the beginning of the season were slow.”

“We had a bunch of players injured and others were just relaxing a bit, so it ended up showing in our games. But this year I think it’s been different. Everyone just seems eager and excited.”

Spartans quarterback Alex Lavric believes the team will not lack motivation to perform well in 2015. Aside from the Spartans being back-to-back ROPSSAA champions, players looking to take on more responsibilities this season in chase of the three-peat want to play major roles for this team.

“Some guys who didn’t get a chance to play last year, will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and make an impact on this team,” adds Lavric.  “Overall, we’re just looking forward to it, and it’s going to be an exciting season.”

Lorne Park Practice2

Before the start of the regular season, the Spartans would have played two exhibition match-ups to help tune up. Defensive back Sean cotter is not only excited for these pre-season matchups, but he believes the team will benefit overall from finally getting their feet wet with actual game play.

“It helps us see what the younger talent is capable of,” said Cotter.  “The team pretty much knows what the senior guys can bring to the table in terms of capabilities.”

“It also helps us to get rid of those nerves of playing our first game of the year by getting guys comfortable on the field again. It really helps for those who haven’t played a down in almost a year to get some good solid reps in.”

Last season, the Spartans relied on several younger players who were playing varsity football for the first time. In 2015, the message is clear. The team is looking to start the season with the necessary effort and intensity in order to avoid a slow start. Price will look to his more experienced players to help guide the team and set the tone early on.

“Two years ago we had a senior-based team, and last year we had a fairly young team,” said Price.  “So those guys who have played senior football for two years have seen it both ways.”

“You have to come out ready. You can’t wait until your back’s against the wall so start playing like you want to be champs.”

The start to 2014 season was a learning process for many of the Spartans’ players. However, the  Spartans were able to persevere and reach their ultimate goal.

“We had a couple losses to start the season while we were trying to get our feet under us and have our younger guys get adjusted to senior,” said Price.  “By the time guys really started to get the concepts and the intensity we needed to play with, we were able to get things turned around.”

With the talent and experience that was procured from last season, coach Price likes the team’s chances on being competitive in ROPSSAA this season. The 2015 Spartans will attempt to win three straight ROPSSAA titles but understand no team will lie down for them. The team understands it is a new season and will rely on a consistent work ethic and not the reputation based on previous seasons in order to be successful.

 

 

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