Mounties optimistic with return of Ross and other key vets

There is tremendous optimism in Sackville, NB as the Mounties begin their 55[SUP]th[/SUP] season of football in 2010. After a disappointing season in which the Mounties struggled to a 0-8 record, there are positive signs the program is moving forward.

The Mounties return all 12 starters on offence and nine starters on defence to provide continuity and stability in the program. Among the starters are seven former East/West Bowl participants (four on defense and 3 on offense). The Mounties also return with the 2009 AUS conference’s Most Outstanding Player, Gary Ross.

The Mounties are also excited to announce Scott Annand as their new Defensive Coordinator along with new LB coach Peter Miller and DB coach Scott Brady. Coach Annand knows the AUS well as he has spent the previous 10 seasons as the DL coach at SMU and the nine seasons prior to that at St. Francis-Xavier. With the new defensive staff in place the Mounties hope to improve on last season’s finish.

2009 regular season record: 0-8
2009 regular season standings: 4th
2009 playoff record: 0-0
2009 playoff finish: N/A

Quote from head coach:

“We are excited heading into the 2010 season with so many returning starters. We have an excellent core of returners to go along with exciting young players. This season marks our 55[SUP]th[/SUP] year of football and we are looking forward to making an impact in the AUS conference.”
— Head Coach Kelly Jeffrey —

Head Coach: Kelly Jeffrey

– Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2010): 3
– Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2010): 3
– Career regular season record with team: 2-14
– Career regular season record in CIS: 2-14
– Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 2-15
– Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 2-15

Offence

Key returning players:

RG Mike Filer and LT Aaron Harper anchor an offensive line that returns all five starters. Filer and Harper earned AUS All-Star honours while LG Chris Munn participated in this season’s East/West Bowl.

Receiver Gary Ross returns for his fifth season and is one of the most decorated receivers in AUS history. Gary holds conference records for receptions in a season (60), all-purpose yards in a season (1,936) and career AUS records for receptions (172) and receiving yards (2,470). Gary was selected as the AUS conference’s Most Outstanding Player for 2009, a first-team CIS all-star inside receiver, and a second-team CIS All-Canadian special teams player.

QB Jake Hotchkiss is back from an excellent rookie campaign. In Jake’s five starts he threw for 1,179 yards (235 per game) to go with 236 total rushing yards and a 6.9 per rush average (third in the AUS). Jake completed the season with a 59% completion percentage and seven passing TD’s.

RB Matt Pickett returns after a season in which he finished second in the AUS in carries (94 yards) and fourth in rushing yards with 441 (4.7 yards avg. per carry). Matt also caught 10 passes for 57 yards.

Key recruits (newcomers or transfers):

RB Alonzo Howell (San Diego, CA), Receiver Troy Trentham (Brooks, AB), OL Stephen Armstrong (Winnipeg, MB)

Key losses:

P/K Olivier Eddie, RB Scott Brady

Defence

Key returning players:

DE Ryan Downe – 4.5 Sacks (2[SUP]nd[/SUP] AUS), 7 TFL’s (5[SUP]th[/SUP] AUS), 32 Tackles (16[SUP]th[/SUP] AUS), 1 FF, 1 Fumble Rec.
DB Bradley Daye – 34.5 Tackles (14[SUP]th[/SUP] AUS), 1 Int., 2 TFL’s, 3 Pass Break Ups, 1 Fumble Rec.
LB Ben Halpern – 53.5 Tackles (2[SUP]nd[/SUP] AUS), 6.5 TFL’s (6[SUP]th[/SUP] AUS), 1.5 Sacks, 2 Pass Break Ups, 1 Fumble Rec.
LB Akwasi Antwi – 74.5 Tackles (1[SUP]st[/SUP] AUS), 4 TFL’s, 1 Sack, 3 Pass Break Ups, 1 FF
DB Jeremy Snider – 38 Tackles (4[SUP]th[/SUP] AUS), 1 TFL, 2 Pass Break Ups, 1 FF

Key recruits (newcomers or transfers):

DL Jonathan Abril (Abbotsford, BC), DB Blake Stewart (Moncton, NB), DL Mark Fullerton (Huron Heights, ON), DL Quinn Everett (Glen Haven, NS)

Key losses:

None.