While the Holland College Hurricanes are set to begin their quest to defence of their league championship, the team will have stiff competition from the other three competing squads.Ā Ā Last year’s finalists the University of New Brunswick-Fredericton Red Bombers, the Dalhousie Tigers and University of New Brunswick-Saint John Seawolves are the other teams that will be vying for league supremacy.
As for the team to beat, there is a consensus amongst some of the coaches in the league that it is too early to tell due to the unpredictability and elevated level of competition each team brings to the 2012 AFL campaign.
“This league is extremely well balanced and plays a very exciting brand of football with many games going being decided in the last seconds,” explains Red Bombers head coach Mike Dollimore.Ā Ā “It is far too difficult to predict.”
Hurricanes head coach Mark MacDougall agrees but also says that there is one team that appears to look strong coming out of the gates.
“We’re not really sure as things can change quickly in this league,” comments Hurricanes head coach Mark MacDougall.Ā Ā “UNB Fredericton seems to have made some big additions to an already strong team.”
When it comes to who may be a dark horse to bring home a championship, MacDougall says there is another team that is already intriguing.
“It is a well-balanced league,” says the Hurricanes head coach.Ā Ā “Things have been very quiet out of the UNB-Saint John camp, so we do not know what to expect from them.”
Dollimore says there is one squad that could mount a challenge for the league championship and that other teams should take notice.
“Keep your eye on DAL,” exclaims the Red Bombers head coach.Ā Ā “Weāve been a league for three seasons with three different champions.”
“DAL is the only current program without a championship.”
On the eve of kickoff in the league, here are previews of some of the teams that will be competing in the AFL this season:
HOLLAND COLLEGE HURRICANES:
2011 Record:Ā Ā 7-1 in league play with 8-2 record overall, won the AFL championship title
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:Ā Ā Mark MacDougall (returning for second season with Hurricanes, going into 17th year as a coach)
Assistant Coaches:Ā Ā Ben Parsons (offensive coordinator), Bernie Tierney (linebackers), Paul Maines (defensive line), Scott MacEwan (offensive line), Matt Holzer (receivers), Marcus Dunphy (linebackers and special teams), Grant Canvin (quarterbacks) and Jan Wicherek (running backs)
The 2011 AFL Champions are looking to successfully defend their title.Ā Ā Coming into this season’s campaign, the Hurricanes know what the keys will be in building upon the success in the hopes of achieving their goal of repeating as champions.
“We have a younger team this year and we are missing some big play guys from last year so I would say our key to success will be consistency,” says Hurricanes head coach Mark MacDougall.Ā Ā “We hope to build on our success from last year as our returning players assume bigger roles and hopefully grow into leadership positions on the team.”
This season, players will have to step up due to the loss of key role players.
“We have lost some players who provided a number of big plays,” explains the Hurricanes head coach.Ā Ā “We will need a more even contribution from everyone this year.”
However, the Hurricanes hope to draw upon their key strengths in order to be successful on the field.
“Our strengths include experienced leaders on both sides of the ball and a core of players who are hungry to continue improving every day,” assesses MacDougall of the team.
On the field, look for the defending league champions to display familiar offensive and defensive style of play.
“We will try to play the same style as in the past,” comments the Hurricanes head coach.Ā Ā “We look for a balanced offense and a defense that plays well as a unit.”
“Balance is the key for us on both sides of the ball.”
As head coach, MacDougall wants the players to continue to progress during the season, while putting forward their best effort on the field.Ā Ā This extends beyond the football field.
“I want my team to do their best every day and try to improve each day,” explains MacDougall.Ā Ā “I want them to strive for excellence on the field and in the classroom.”
“I want them to work on making every day count in some way.”
Ultimately, the Hurricanes look to be a competitive squad in the 2012 AFL season.
“Our kids want to improve and the want to make sure everyone is helping to move the team forward,” says MacDougall.Ā Ā “They feel they have a lot to prove.”
KEY RETURNEES:Ā Ā Nick Hunsley (quarterback), Ernesto Carranza (running back), Robbie Tufts (receiver), Leslie Green (receiver), Luke Williams (receiver), Michael Antoine (offensive line), Vernon Sainvil (offensive line) Ryan Payne (offensive line); Nathan Conway (defensive line), Tom Lund (defensive line), Ben Sherren (linebacker), Richard Lush (linebacker), Thomas McCabe (linebacker), Jonathan Gallant (defensive back), Wildens Sertyl (defensive back), Patrick LeFrank (defensive back) and Dimo Moslemi (defensive back)
KEY ROOKIES:Ā Ā Alex Fitzpatrick (defensive back), Aaron Cook (defensive line), Zach Davidson (offensive line), Greg Brown (quarterback), Chris Barrett (Receiver), Chucky Ortiz (running back), Ian Bagby (linebacker), Andrew Oakes (linebacker), Wayde Higgs (defensive back), Dale Pickstock (offensive line), Chris Miller (offensive line), Taylor Thorne (quarterback), Dennis Mahar (running back), Ian Sinclair (defensive back), Will Stewart (linebacker) and Patrick DeMone (running back)
The Holland College Hurricanes begin defence of their league championship title when they go on the road to face the UNB-SJ Seawolves on Saturday September 15, 2012 at Canada Games Stadium.Ā Ā Kickoff is at 7:00pm.
UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK-FREDERICTON RED BOMBERS (UNBF):
2011 Record:Ā Ā 3-3 during the regular season, lost to the Holland College Hurricanes in the championship game
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:Ā Ā Mike Dollimore (returning, entering 39th season lifetime of coaching)
Assistants:Ā Ā Jeff Taylor (offensive coordinator), Jamie Edwards (defensive coordinator), Terry McIntyre (defensive backs), Chris Munn (offensive line), Jeremy Curnew (defensive line), Aaron Harper (special teams)
Last year’s championship finalists will be looking to make that push to win the league title in 2012.Ā Ā The UNBF Red Bombers will be looking to use their offensive strength to yield positive results on the field.
“The key will be to establish our offensive scoring punch,” explains Red Bombers head coach Mike Dollimore.Ā Ā “Being able to make big plays and turn them in to scoring plays.”
“We need to stay healthy on the offensive line which will allow us to maximize our scoring threats.”
On defense, the Red Bombers have a strong core of returning linebackers; therefore that will be the key to success.
Dollimore gives an idea of what to expect on both sides of the ball from the Red Bombers.
“We donāt plan on showing as many different looks on defense but relying on speed and experience which, we hope, will result in us maintaining good field position,” says the Red Bombers head coach.Ā Ā “On offense, we hope to establish an explosive passing game.”
A weakness for the team will be size, especially on the offensive line.Ā Ā The Red Bombers hope that cross training lineman will compensate for their shortcomings on the field.
As for their strengths, the Red Bombers have the benefit of having an experienced quarterback, solid core of receivers and a solid group of returning defensive players to execute the game plan for the season.
The 2012 version of the Red Bombers is determined to not only seriously contend for league supremacy but to excel beyond the football field.
“Our program at UNB is a recreation football club, although we all take it seriously,” adds Dollimore.Ā Ā “The program emphasizes education first so having players strike a balance between commitment to school and the team is always a challenge.”
KEY RETURNEES:Ā Ā Brendan Cornford (quarterback), David Giddings (offensive tackle), Tyler Doak (defensive tackle) and Jody Smith (middle linebacker)
KEY ROOKIES: A.J. Durling (slotback), Mitch McCoy (wide receiver)
“X” FACTOR:Ā Ā Cody Stewart (slotback)Ā Ā “Heās a big and fast slotback who can do it all ā run, catch and block. He is also critical to our kicking game with the ability to place the ball where you want it on punts and kickoffs.”-Red Bombers head coach Mike Dollimore.
The University of New Brunswick-Fredericton Red Bombers will begin the 2012 regular season on the road, when they play the Dalhousie Tigers on Saturday September 15th, 2012 at Wickwire Field.Ā Ā Game time is 5:00pm.
DALHOUSIE TIGERS (DAL):
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:Ā Ā Stuart MacLean (1st season, will also serve as offensive coordinator)
Assistants:Ā Ā Keith Skiffington (defensive coordinator, defensive backs), Rick Rivers (receivers), Scott Fraser (receivers), Damian Byrne (linebackers), Erik Nowak (special teams), Scott MacLean (offensive line), Scott MacIntyre (running backs)
KEY RETURNEES:Ā Ā Brendan Festeryga (quarterback), Greg Pelly (running back)
KEY ROOKIES:Ā Ā Nico Jones, Steve Arbuckle
The Dalhousie Tigers begin the regular season by hosting the University of New Brunswick-Fredericton Red Bombers on Saturday September 15th, 2012 at Wickwire Field.Ā Ā Kickoff is 5:00pm.
(NOTE:Ā Ā No additional information for Dalhousie Tigers and the UNBSJ Seawolves was available at press time)
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