Ernest Manning Griffins vs. St. Francis Browns
Thursday, Sept. 14 @ 7:00 pm., Field-Shouldice Athletic Park-Hellard (Calgary)
Coming from a 1-4 record in the 2016 season, the Ernest Manning Griffins are coming back bigger, stronger and more mentally prepared than any other season. Head Coach Jovan Vujinovic structured a much more improved strengthening and conditioning program during off-season which is already seeing better results in his players.
Not only are the boys coming back with a better physique and clearer mindset, but the coaches are also developing their leadership roles to guide their players to success. The Griffins did not get the chance to play their exhibition game due to the poor air quality happening in Alberta so they are quite excited to get back on the field going against the back-to-back Tier 1 City and Provincial Champions, the St. Francis Browns.
The undefeated team went 5-0 against all the top Calgary teams in their division. By winning against CFC50 Bev Facey, the St. Francis Browns are definitely the team to beat. Ranked at the #2 position in this weeks #CFC50 high school rankings, the Browns are expected to come out hot out of the gate.
Coach Vujinovic did not sugar coat to his team that beating the Browns this week will be a challenge but they do have an advantage with many of the Browns’ starring players graduating this past year such as Ethan Moroz (RB), Curtis Prime (DL) and Alex Groshak (WR) who are all now playing for the University of Calgary Dinos.
“We know they are good it’s not a secret or a surprise we just need to ensure that we don’t help them in anyway,” Coach Vujinovic said.
Ernest Manning will utilize their strongest players in their opening week on both offense and defense.
Team Alberta defensive linemen, John Dorocicz will be on the field showing his physical dominance. Daniel Appiah will use his speed to generate the ground game. Former Team Alberta and Team Canada standout, Liam Wilde will be a feature in the secondary while freshmen player, Gabe Podvinsky is coming off a strong midget football season and the coaching staff are looking forward to what see what this young man can bring to the Division 1 level.
A few key members of the Griffins will be nursing some “bumps and bruises” as said by the coaching staff but will be back within a few weeks.
This game will be a great matchup to see whether the St. Francis team can withstand their untouchable reputation or if a team like the Ernest Manning Griffins can take an early shot at a huge target.
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