After a year of building the Rebels are ready to push to the playoffs
There is a new sense of confidence in Westshore as the Rebels begin their second season under head coach JC Boice. After just two wins last season, it’s safe to say that Boice and his coaching staff were on a learning curve. Now with a season under their belt and the reigning CJFL Coach of the Year part of the staff, the Rebels are primed to get back into the post season for the first time since 2012.
What’s Changing?
At this time last year the Rebels went through a brand change, had a new head coach and a new energy. This season the changes the Rebels have made aren’t as visual but are significant within their organization. On their Board the club has a new team President Doug Kobayashi, Secretary Shanda Sperling, Treasurer Michelle Nouwens and Head Coach JC Boice gets a new hat of General Manager. Perhaps the loudest change is the hiring of Assistant Head Coach Shane Beatty, the reigning CJFL Coach of the Year.
Also new for the Rebels in 2016 is a Scholarship Gala hosted at the Olympic View Golf Course on May 13th and a new dedicated high performance training facility.
Graduating Players:
WR/QB Hunter Lake: He was the most dangerous and talented offensive weapon last season. He was named a BCFC All-Star Receiver with 51 receptions for 708 yards and four touchdowns. Lake will play at Chabot College in northern California this coming season.
WR/DB Joe Barkhouse: He rarely came off the field last year starting on both offence and defence. As a receiver he made 27 receptions for 382 yards and four majors. Defensively he made eight tackles, knocked down two passes and had an interception.
DL Cohen Sassaman: He was a star on the defensive line with 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles, a knockdown, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
What They Need:
During this offseason the Rebels have recruited intensively to add depth at receiver and defensive back. They have also added some impactful defensive linemen to their numerous returning players.
Counting On:
The Rebels had the second lowest point total a year ago, but are ready to turn things around in 2016. On the offensive side they are counting on running back Jordan Worth. Last season he collected 43 carries for 346 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. Through the air Nate Skeete will be relied upon to lead the receiving corps especially after the graduation of Hunter Lake. Up front Aarmin Purewall will be expected to anchor the offensive line.
Over on the defence the Rebels are counting on big things from James Bradley. He is coming off an outstanding year recording 29 tackles, 13 assisted stops, four sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
The Rebels will open the 2016 season on Sunday July 24th when they host the Langley Rams.
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