OFC: Guelph Bears, a young team ready for football (JV PREVIEW)

The Guelph Junior Varsity Bears are ready to kick off another season. With recent renovations to the home field, the Bears are hoping to attract plenty of local fans to cheer them on as they make a run for the playoffs. With a big team, the Junior Bears are attempting to make a break through this season in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

Formally a member of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL), the Bears organization has moved into the OFC in an attempt to bring a championship trophy to the city of Guelph. With a relatively young team, the Bears are being molded into a playoff caliber team.  With only 15 returning players this season, the Bears have a fresh slate of athletes to work with and find positions for. With a roster of 57 players, they have plenty to work with and will have no problem filling every position with a well deserving player.

With seven starters back on the Bears roster, they are basically working with a clean slate. The coaching staff has the ability to mold the young players into the stars of tomorrow. The Junior Bears are a fresh team who are very eager to play football for the city of Guelph this year. They work hard at practice each week, preparing for the first game kickoff.

The Junior Bears have some stars on the field that fans and scouts should really be keeping their eyes on. With a lot of new faces, the Bears needed players to step up and lead the team.

Last year’s starting quarterback moved up to the Senior Bears but Walker Breen is ready to take the starting role. He is leader on the offense and will help his team march the field every time they get the ball. A natural leader; watch for Walker to help the Bears passing game excel. A strong quarterback is crucial to the success of any offense.

Walker will have some big targets at receiver this year. Nick Mckellar will be one of his big targets this season. Nick is returning for his second year with the Junior Bears and looks to become a star and important part of the offense. After playing as an underage player last year, Nick has blossomed into a star receiver for the Bears team.

On the defensive side of the ball there are a few big names to keep an eye on. The line defenses win championships is as evident this season for the Bears. Star defensive back Graham Brodie is suiting up for the Bears this season and will hopefully lead the Bears in turnovers. After playing for the Under 17 team in Texas this year, Graham brings plenty of experience and depth to a new and young defensive unit. Watch for him to be matched up with the number one receiver this season.

David Livingstone is another star on the defensive side of the ball. He will be heading up the linebacking core for the Junior Bears this season. This is his second year with the Junior Bears and the coaching staff is excited about his growth and development during the off season. They are looking for him to step up as a leader and help teach all the new players how things work in the Bears organization.

Not only are the players young but the coaching staff is as well. Head coach Chas Douglas has been a part of the Guelph Bears for plenty of years. As a coach and a player, Chas brings an understanding and dedication to the sport that not many coaches can provide. As a star running back for the Guelph Bears and John F. Ross High School, Chas is a strong offensive threat. You can be sure that this year’s team will be very strong offensively. He is extremely qualified and will be sure to pass his knowledge on to the younger generations making their way through the organization.

“I can’t say that we only have 1 strength,” said Chas.  “We are looking to be a well-rounded team and have play makers on both sides of the ball.”

“We hope to be an exciting team to watch and make a push for the playoffs.”

The Junior Bears are going to make an impact in the OFC this year and are hoping to bring a championship back to Guelph. A young team has endless possibilities and this team is ready to show everyone that they are here to stay. They won’t back down from any challenge and want to prove to everyone that should not be ignored.