“They need to be brought down a notch.”
Those are the words of Prince Andrew Panthers head coach Joe Flemming about the Halifax Citadel Phoenix. Consensus among football coaches in the NSSAF league is that the Phoenix will be dominant again this season.
Sir John A MacDonald Flames head coach Alan Wetmore called the Phoenix “perennial” and there is no reason that this will not be the case. Their roster is deep and full of depth because of many returning players. The size of the school that is deep in tradition coupled with a positive winning attitude makes the Phoenix the odds on favourites to be the last ones standing atop of league at the end of the season.
A couple of coaches believe that the Flames are a team that could dethrone the Phoenix. Horton Griffins head coach Alec Hyndman says that the school has a strong feeder program and because of that, the team will always be strong. JL Ilsley Judges head coach Steve Saunders agrees.
“SJA have big programs and get a lot of talented kids finding their way to the schools,”adds Saunders.
Coaches in the NSSAF league like the Charles P Allen Cheetahs because of their coaching staff, good kids and steady improvement.
“CPA is much better than the people thing, size, veterans and a young group coming up,”says Sackville High Kingsfishers head coach Joe Simatovic.
A usual suspect has to be considered when it comes to league supremacy. The Cobequid Cougars with their tradition and new, yet experienced coaching staff led by Scott Annand will be a factor.
“Great coaching with good athletes equals great team,” states Hyndman.
The Griffins themselves look appealing because of their high number of great returning players and Hyndman’s coaching style.
“Although a newish team as well, if they stay healthy they have a core to play with anyone,” says Avon View’s Jim Bryan. “The coach has really pushed the players to play all year round.”
Dartmouth High Spartans may have enough to get over the hump this season and have to be considered as a favourite as well.
“They are always around the mix of upper echelon of teams so they may have the push to make it into the top 4,” says Wetmore.
Another team that may make a charge too this season is the Lockview Dragons whom Simatovic comments that the team is big and strong. He also adds that while they may have an inexperienced quarterback, the veterans will help the Dragons in the long run.
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