NSSAFFL: Will it be a special, historic run or an epic disappointment for the Citadel Phoenix in 2012?

Will it be victory into the history books or disappointment for the Citadel Phoenix this year in their quest for a fifth consecutive Tier 1 Championship Title?  Should the Phoenix be successful in 2012 campaign, they would be the only football program to ever win five straight titles.  It is a feat that has never been accomplished and now the Phoenix has a golden opportunity to capitalize on it.

The consensus amongst the majority of coaches in the Nova Division is that the Phoenix will be the team to beat this season.

“No disrespect to any of the other contending teams, there will be certainly some great challengers, but until the Citadel Phoenix loses a game, they remain the team to beat,” comments Charles P Allen Cheetahs head coach Michael McPherson.

“The Citadel Phoenix continues to be the team to beat this year,” adds Cobequid Cougars head coach Scott Annand.  “They always have a lot of talented players and are well coached.”

Dartmouth High Spartans head coach Nick Barr echoes the sentiments of his peers.

“Unless or until someone beats them, every team in Division 1 not named Citadel is a dark horse to win the provincial title.

However, Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Lawley says the Sir John A MacDonald Flames will be team to beat this season due to the “good coaching staff.”

There are varying opinions of which team could emerge as the dark horse this season as there are several teams that could mount a serious challenge due to changes the NSSAFFL made in the offseason with regards to the tiers.

“Thanks in large part to the new two-tier system, there is a lot of parity in the league this year and any team in Division 1 could challenge for the title,” says Barr.

Lawley believes the team to watch for is the Cobequid Cougars.

“The return of Scott Annand and Mike MacKay to the staff last season resulted in a turnaround of that program,” explains the Citadel co-head coach.  “The Cougars are on the rise.”

As for Annand, there are a number of teams to watch for this season.

“A number of teams run good football programs, including Citadel High, Sir John A and CP Allen, but we also see Lockview as being a strong team that plays tough defense and hard nose football,” assesses the Cougars head coach.

Sackville High Kingfishers head coach Rob Morgan says not to underestimate the Dartmouth High Spartans.

“Dartmouth has been getting better year by year and should be one to keep a close eye on,” comments Morgan.

Panthers head coach Joe Flemming chimes in that the Cheetahs and Flames will be extremely strong this year.  These two teams could be the ones to mount a serious challenge to end the championship reign for the Phoenix.

The story of the Nova Division will start to unfold when the season kicks off on Thursday September 6th, 2012.  Below are season previews for all eight teams that will be competing in the Tier 1 Division:

CITADEL PHOENIX (CIT):

2011 Record:  regular season record was 8-0-0, playoff record 3-0 as the Phoenix defeated the Horton Griffins to win the league’s Tier 1 championship title

Coaching Staff:
Head Coaches:  Mike Tanner (42 years) Jeff Lawley (23 years and will also serve as defensive coordinator)
Assistants:  Michael Hopper (receivers), Erik Nowak (running backs), Gordon Beattie (offensive line), Greg Knight (offensive line), Anthony Vincer (offensive line), Dan Parker (defensive line), Harrision Pertropolis (defensive line), Jamie Fudge (linebackers), Ted Richard (linebackers), Matt Wheeler (defensive backs), Mike Thomson (defensive backs)

The Phoenix look to win an unprecedented, historical fifth consecutive NSSAFFL title, but know it won’t be an easy task in 2012.  After graduating many star players on both sides of the ball, the Phoenix will field a significantly younger team on the field.

“We have 31 grade 10’s on the roster and very little returning experienced players,” comments Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Lawley of this year’s team.

However, success will hinge on how quickly this young roster will be able to come together and peak at the right time.

“We are very young this year and the faster the young players catch on and buy in will determine the timeline of our success,” says the Phoenix co-head coach.  “The strength is that we have a terrific coaching staff that will mould a young team.”

Overall, the coaching staff expects the players to play disciplined football while giving a 100 percent effort on the field at times.

KEY RETURNEES:  Nick Giacomantonio (defensive end), Matt Nettle (linebacker), Chris Folkins (defensive back), Liam Connell (defensive back) and Dequan Skeir (offensive lineman)

KEY ROOKIES:  Liam Johnston (running back), Ian Farrell (receiver), Jonathan Harvey (defensive tackle), Nate Adams (defensive back)

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH:  Darius Lameire (quarterback)

“X” FACTOR:  O’Neil Barton (right tackle)-“O’Neil will play a major role as the anchor of our defense as nose tackle,” explains Lawley.  “He may be asked to play some offensive line for us as well.”

“O’Neil worked very hard in the off season and has prepared himself to handle this role.”

The quest for the five peat starts for the Citadel Phoenix on Friday September 7th, 2012 when the team hosts the Sackville Kingfishers for their opening game of the regular season at Burnside Turf.  Kickoff is 8:00pm

CHARLES P ALLEN CHEETAHS (CPA):

2011 Record:  regular season record was 6-1-1; playoff record was 1-1 as they lost to the Horton Griffins in the Tier 1 semi-finals

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Michael McPherson (6th season and will serve as offensive coordinator)
Assistants:  Alain Lefebvre (defensive coordinator), Blair Ryan (defensive backs), Austin Morrison (receivers), Greg Bayne (linebackers) and Pierre Lefebvre (special teams), Blaise Morrision (receivers), William Harris (receivers)

While the Charles P Allen Cheetahs will field a younger team in comparison to last season, they are a team on the rise and look to be a contender for league supremacy in 2012.  Head Coach Michael McPherson says the key for success for the Cheetahs is pretty simple.

“We will need to mature yet improve at a reasonably solid pace and be peaking at the right time in order to reach our goals and improve on 2012,” assesses McPherson.  “We will need to play both tough, fast, fundamentally sound football to be successful.”

Size will be an issue for the team as they are not big up front; however, their key strength lies in special teams.  The Cheetahs boast the best kicker/punter in the league as Chase Kodejs will be looked upon to lead the team to success.

Ultimately, the coaching staff hopes the players will be respectful on and off the field. Moreover, players will be looked upon to give back to the community through many off-field endeavours.

“We ask players to treat each other, the school and community with respect and continue to contribute to the off-field projects and programs we’ve been doing each year such as the Holiday Food Drive (Feed Nova Scotia), Bedford Community Clean-up and various events through the Empathy Factory.”

KEY RETURNEES:  Taylor MacDonald (running back/safety), Sean Muir (quarterback), Alex Bayne (receiver), Ryan Keays, Matt Zwicker (offensive line) and Chase Kodejs (kicker/punter)

KEY ROOKIES:  Brad Bevan (linebacker), Will Chamberlain (defensive back), Matt Bayne

The CPA Cheetahs will commence their season on Friday September 7th, 2012 at Burnside Turf against the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars.  Game time is 5:00pm

DARTMOUTH HIGH SPARTANS (DHS):

2011 Record:  regular season record was 5-3; playoff record was 1-1 as the team lost to the Citadel Phoenix in the Tier 1 semi-finals

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Nick Barr (rookie season as head coach but 4th season with Spartans)
Assistants:  Randy Rudel (defensive coordinator), Nick MacLeod (offensive coordinator), Kevin Breen (defensive line), Matt Quesnelle (linebackers), Mitchell Hood (defensive backs), Mike Hubley (offensive line), Jeremy Osmond (offensive line), Junior LeBlanc (quarterbacks/receivers), Greg Hodge (quarterbacks/receivers), Philip Morris (running backs)

Coming off the heels of a very successful 2011 campaign, the Dartmouth High Spartans will be looking to take the next step this upcoming season.  With a renewed attitude and new personnel, the team appears ready to make the move.

“The keys to our success this year are attitude and effort,” comments Spartans rookie head coach, Nick Barr.  “We have a new coaching staff, and a large number of new players, so our success will hinge on our ability to work together to meet both team and individual goals.”

Offensively, the league’s top quarterback, Cody Cluett will be paramount to the team’s game execution plan on the field.  While the team’s trademark passing game will be evident, they hope to be equally successful in their running game.

“DHS has always been known as a pass-first team, but this season we hope to have a stronger running game which will make our passing game even more effective,” explains the Spartans head coach.  “If we can force teams to respect the run, defenses won’t be able to play six defensive backs or drop everyone into coverage which should make throwing the ball much easier.”

On the defensive side of the ball, it is pretty simple what the Spartans need to do over the course of the season in order to achieve success on the field.

“Defensively, we will focus on stopping the run and creating turnovers,” says Barr of the unit who will rely on their key strength of defensive backs to lead the way.

As for team weaknesses, it is hard to see at the moment where that lies as the team does have players that will fill the gaps left behind by graduating players.

“At this stage, it’s hard to say where we are weak,” assesses the Spartans head coach. “We have a number of rookies and second-year athletes who should be able to fill some of the voids left by graduating players such that we don’t expect to see a huge drop-off in the level of play at any particular position.”

Overall, the Spartans will be asked to put forth their best effort on the field this season in the hopes of attaining their goals.

“Quite simply, we are asking our players to give us their best attitude and effort,” comments Barr.  “Not every player will be an all-star, or play CIS, or go pro, but every player can give his best attitude and effort.”

“If you can get 45 players working 100 percent to achieve common goals with, you have an opportunity to be special each and every time you step on the field.”

Determination could be what sets the Spartans apart from the rest of the NSSAFFL teams this upcoming season.

“We have a number of veterans who want to leave Dartmouth High School as champions and a number of newer players who want to prove that they deserve to be on the field,” says the Spartans head coach.

KEY RETURNEES:  Cody Cluett (quarterback), Kevin James (linebacker/offensive line), Travis Stanfield (running back), Jesse Rudel (defensive back/receiver), Isaac Berglund (defensive line/offensive line)

KEY ROOKIES:  Nick Jennex (receiver), Isaiah Skeete (receiver/defensive back)

“X” FACTOR:  Andrew Vieira (running back)

The Dartmouth High Spartans begin the NSSAFFL regular season in a game against the Prince Andrew Panthers on Thursday September 6th, 2012.  The game will take place at Burnside Turf at 7:00pm.

SIR JOHN A MACDONALD FLAMES (SJA):

2011 Record:  regular season record was 4-4-0, playoff record was 0-1 as team lost to Charles P Allen Cheetahs in the Tier 1 quarterfinals

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Alan Wetmore (7th season and will serve as backfield coach)
Assistants:  Dan Campbell (offensive line), Paul Moore (linebackers), James White (receivers), Mark Haggett (defensive line), Lou Huelin (offensive line), Peter Fitzgerald (defensive backs), Jeff MacIsaac (defensive line), Arne Anderson (defensive backs) and Dave Naugler (defensive line)

After a disappointing 2011 campaign, the Flames are ready once again to compete this season for the league championship.  Last season, the Flames were considered the favourite to dethrone the Citadel Phoenix; however, a set of unfortunate circumstances sealed their fate.  Due to NSSAFFL rules, the Flames had to forfeit two games they won during the regular season due to fielding an ineligible player.  Consequently, the Flames were forced to win out the remainder of their season just to get into the Tier 1 playoffs.  Once they got in, they faced a tough opponent in the CPA Panthers and bowed out in the quarterfinals.

Now starting on a clean slate, the Flames are focused on contending for the league title.  As for what to expect from the 2012 version, Flames head coach Alan Wetmore perfectly sums it up.

“We will be very competitive with lots of hustle and determination,” comments Wetmore, who is returning for his seventh season at the helm.

While conditioning will be their key strength, the Flames may be weak when it comes to depth.  However, the key to success for the team will be daily improvement while continuing on the path of excellence that the Flames organization has built over the years.  With a mixture of returning players and rookies, the Flames look strong enough to mount a serious challenge in dethroning the Citadel Phoenix.

KEY RETURNEES:  Keith Langille (linebacker), John Perrott (defensive back), Nick Hartling (receiver) and Hayden Clarke (running back)

KEY ROOKIE:  Lorenz MacDonald (quarterback)

The Sir John A MacDonald Flames begins their 2012 campaign on Sunday September 9th, as the team hosts the Lockview Panthers.  The game will be played at Sir John A MacDonald School at 1:00pm.

COBEQUID EDUCATIONAL CENTRE COUGARS (CEC):

2011 Record:  regular season record was 4-4-0, playoff record was 0-1 as the team lost to the Citadel Phoenix in the Tier 1 quarterfinals

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Scott Annand (2nd season and will also serve as defensive coordinator)
Assistants:  Mike MacKay (offensive coordinator/receivers), Jason Williams (running backs), Brent MacPhee (offensive line), Tom Shreve (quarterbacks), Shawn Davison (linebackers), Dustin McCarthy (defensive line), Scott Cameron (defensive backs), Jeff MacKinnon (trainer) and Chris Landry (trainer/offensive line)

The Cobequid Education Centre Cougars, are hungry in their quest to take the gradual next step to become a contender and have key strengths in many areas going into the 2012 campaign.

“Offensively, we will look to our senior quarterback Gab Bagnell, who is one of the best overall athletes on the team, to provide leadership both on and off the field,” assesses Cougars head coach Scott Annand.  “Team size has improved compared to the last few years and our front seven on defense have the potential to be strong contributors to team success.”

“The coaching staff is strength as they have a lot of pride in Cougar football and work well together to develop the team.”

To be successful this season, the Cougars will need to focus on playing fundamental yet disciplined football while controlling energy.

“We will need to build a strong basis of skill and work ethic and grow through playing and learning from experience,” adds the Cougars head coach.  “We will be a disciplined, fundamentally sound football team.”

Both the offensive and defensive units will have particular goals and objectives in achieving success this season in their game execution plans.

“Offensively, we will work as a unit spreading the field with a progressive system,” explains Annand, who also has 20 years of CIS coaching experience.  “Defensively, we will be a pressure defense.”

Not only will the Cougars be asked to work together in achieving a common goal on the field, but players will be looked upon to build their character away from the field.

“Football is the medium that we use to coach character through sport,” comments the Cougars head coach.   “Integrity, responsibility, class, attention to detail, respect for rules and opponents is something we work towards.”

“These are student athletes and we want to help them become positive contributors to their communities.”

It is exciting times in Cougars football.  The team has a new facility with several different amenities.   Among the new amenities include a new stadium, locker room, player’s lounge and press box.

“The stadium has been named after a former player, James MacPherson, who went on to be a star running back at Saint Mary’s University in the early to mid-90’s and James tragically lost his life in a plane crash so now it is very fitting to have our new stadium named after him,” says Annand.  “The community of Truro and alumni of Cougar football have been very supportive of the restructuring project as the dressing room is named in memory of Rick Kaupp and the lounge in named in memory of Jamie Sheppard.”

“The new score clock was donated by a family who’s kids played and still play for the cougars, the Jennings family.”

KEY RETURNEES:  Gab Bagnell (quarterback), Brendan Collette (offensive lineman), Nick Simpson (free safety), Calder Saunders (linebacker) and Andrew Murphy (defensive back)

KEY ROOKIES:  Drew Erskine (linebacker/running back), Andrew Gibson (offensive lineman) and Riley Jennings (slotback/quarterback)

The Cobequid Cougars will start the regular season on the road against the Charles P Allen Cheetahs on Friday September 7th, 2012.  The game will be at Burnside Turf and kickoff is at 5:00pm.

PRINCE ANDREW PANTHERS (PA):

2011 Record:  regular season record was 5-3, playoff record was 0-1 as the team lost to the Horton Griffins in the Tier 1 quarterfinals

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Joe Flemming (6th season)
Assistants:  Greg Melanson, Bryan Ellis, Bobby Tink, Anthony Williams, Rick Moore, Mark White and Chris Liberatore

Last year’s “Cinderella” team in the NSSAFFL, the Prince Andrew Panthers will be looking to field a competitive, yet mature squad this fall.

“We’ll continue to build off of the foundation built by our teams over the past three years,” says Panthers head coach Joe Flemming.

As for what to expect from the Panthers on the field offensively and defensively, the style of play will be pretty basic.

“A lot of passing and a disciplined defense,” describes the Panthers head coach.

KEY RETURNEES:  Riley Potter (quarterback), Nate Skeete (defensive back)

KEY ROOKIE:  Hyato Ota (running back)

The Prince Andrew Panthers will begin the season in a matchup against crosstown rivals the Dartmouth High Spartans to kick off the NSSAFFL regular season.  Game time is 7:00pm at Burnside Turf.

SACKVILLE HIGH KINGFISHERS (SHS):

2011 Record:  regular season record was 5-3, playoff record was 0-1 as the team lost to the Dartmouth High Spartans in the Tier 1 quarterfinals

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Rob Morgan (19th season)
Assistants:  Todd Adams (offensive coordinator), Mat Galienne (offensive line), Adriano Zavattin (offensive line), Joe Simatovic (defensive backs), Scott McKenzie (defensive line), Steve Lane (defensive line) and Tiernan MacDougall (linebackers)

Another team with an impressive 2011 campaign which propelled them into the Tier 1 playoffs, the Sackville High Kingfishers will be looking to rebuild on their previous success through weekly improvement as they too will be fielding a young squad.

“We have to get better every day through productive practices because we are young and inexperienced,” comments Kingfishers head coach Rob Morgan.  “We need to accept and learn from our mistakes and get better every day.”

Morgan explains what the offensive and defensive units’ style of play will be on the field.

“Offensively we will be basic and execution oriented,” explains the Kingfishers head coach.  “Defensively, we expect to be fundamentally sound with a few wrinkles to throw in every now and then.”

“Our lines should be fairly solid and our defensive front seven strong.”

Ultimately, Kingfishers players will be asked to be role models on and off the field by being good students and setting positive examples in their community.

KEY RETURNEES:  Drew Alexander (tailback), Kyle MacDonald (linebacker)

KEY ROOKIES:  Tyler Robichaud (linebacker), Ben Ford (tight end)

The Sackville High Kingfishers will be the first team to try to take a crack at the defending champions, the Citadel Phoenix on Friday September 7th, 2012 at Burnside Turf.  Kickoff is 8:00pm.

LOCKVIEW PANTHERS (LHS):

2011 Record:  regular season record was 4-4-0, won the Tier 2 Championship Title in double overtime over the Halifax West Warriors

Head Coach:  Mike Korecki

The 2011 Tier 2 Champions look to continue their winning ways.  In eight years, the Lockview Dragons have not had a losing season and hope to continue their streak.

Running back Dan Mader will lead the Dragons offensively this season while offensive linemen Ryan Cornish and Trevor Howse will not only provide key contributions but leadership as well.

The defensive unit will be led by linebacker James Pelley and defensive tackles Alex Murney and Justin Wiemer.

Going into this season, numbers have been the biggest issue for the Dragons, which in turn has exposed a key weakness.

“We need an influx of players in a big way,” comments Dragons head coach Mike Korecki.  “We look at the numbers and we like this team because it’s very skilled but it lacks depth.”

KEY RETURNEES:  Dan Mader (running back), Ryan Cornish (offensive lineman), Trevor Howse (offensive lineman), Rogan Steele (receiver), James Pelley (linebacker), Alex Murney (defensive tackle), Justin Wiemer (defensive tackle)

KEY ROOKIES:  Colin Murney, Colin MacLean (slotback), Matt Harnish (defense)

The Lockview Dragons will travel on the road to begin their football season in a game against the Sir John A MacDonald Flames.  The game is on Sunday September 9th, 2012 at 1:00pm at Sir John A MacDonald School.

Photo 5 courtesy of Joe Chrvala
(website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jchrvala)

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