Photo courtesy of Matthew Hamilton
Last season was one of transition for the Winnipeg Rifles with a new logo and a new quarterback following the graduation of Ryan Marsch. Despite only three wins and scoring a Conference low 192 points the Rifles did qualify for the post season, however fell 43-13 in Saskatoon.
Defensively the Rifles in 2014 gave up the second most amount of points, allowing 249 or an average of 31 points a game. This season they will have to be tighter, something head coach Ryan Karhut is very aware of.
Graduating Players:
* WR Kurt Goodrich: The biggest blow to the Rifles is the graduation of the PFC’s Most Outstanding Receiver and All-Canadian Kurt Goodwich. In 2014 the veteran caught a Conference high 50 passes for 723 yards and a PFC leading six touchdowns. Goodrich has signed a deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
* WR Nicholas Bembenek: Not only to the Rifles lose Goodrich at the receiver position, but also Nic Bembenek to graduation. A season ago he averaged 25.4 yards a catch, hauling in 29 passes for 736 yards and five majors.
* QB Tyler Vieira: For the second consecutive year the Rifles lose their starting quarterback following the graduation of Vieira. In 2014 he finished with the highest rated passer efficiency 86.5%. He completed 123 passes for 1,915 yards and threw a Conference high 14 touchdowns.
What They Need?
Its no surprise that the Rifles are looking for a new quarterback following the graduation of Vieira. They also need some new receivers to catch passes from the new pivot. With the graduation of Goodwich and Bembenek, its leaves two very large holes at the receiver position. Last year these two grads caught 79 passes for 1459 yards and 11 TDs. With the loss of their three biggest weapons, and the lowest point total in the PFC a year ago, the Rifles are desperately looking for offensive players.
Counting On:
With the defence needing to play better Coach Karhut is going to rely heavily on four veteran players. Linebacker Logan Thacker will need to take control on the defensive side and quarterback the “D.” Defensiv Back Braedy Will also be counted on this season. In 2014 Will made 38 tackles, had two assists, 2 knockdowns and a fumble recovery.
Defensive lineman Spencer Richie and Donovan Gregoire will also asked to take on a bigger role this coming season and get pressure of the QB. Richie made 13 stops and four sacks, while Gregoire made 8 tackles and had a sack.
The Rifles will open their Spring Camp May 8-10 at Investors’ Group Field
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