OPC UNDERCLASSMEN GAME PREVIEW (CENTRAL/EAST): “Soak in the experience of being able to play at one of the best facilities in the country”

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the May 1st weekend.  In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams, coaches and players participating in the big event.

On Saturday afternoon at TD Place in Ottawa, Team Central and Team East Underclass squads will battle it out at the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC).

For Team Central, it’s a chance to shine on a big stage in a big event.

“It is a great opportunity for these young players to showcase their talents,” added Team Central Head Coach Chivase Bryan.

Echoing Bryan’s sentiments is Team East Head Coach Warren Steeves.  Moreover, he said that changes that were implemented this year will bode well for the participants.

“I think the OPC is a great opportunity to showcase some of the best players in the province,” added Steeves.  “I really like the expanded format as it allows for those players outside of the GTA an opportunity to grab the spotlight.”

“The Ottawa area has great football and I expect us to show well at all levels.”

On the field, Team Central will be prepared for battle.

“You can expect that we will play hard, fast and to the best of our abilities,” offered Bryan.  “We have very talented players on both sides of the ball.”

As for Team East, simplicity will be their key to execution on Saturday.

“I can only speak for our team but with the additional game rules I know we have kept our playbooks pretty simple,” said Steeves.  “With no blitzing on defense and limiting formations on offense any advantage will be gained through execution and beating your man on every snap.”

“Our team will be prepared and I expect they will play hard from snap to whistle.”

Bryan sees one specific battle that could dictate the outcome of the game.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they match up against our running backs and receivers,” commented Bryan.

For Team East, both their offensive and defensive lines have to put forth a stellar performance in order to be successful against their opponents.

“At this level, I really believe you have to be able to run the football and stop the run on defense,” explained Steeves.  “That means line play is going to be very important as the run game is all about dominating the line of scrimmage.”

“I like what we have on both lines and I think we have a very talented and deep group of running backs so I expect that we will be able to move the ball on the ground and hopefully stop the run.”

While Bryan expects all the Team East players to surprise and contribute come game day.  However, there are a few players to watch for on Saturday.

“I definitely have high expectations of quarterback Nicholas Dejesus as I personally believe he is the best bantam quarterback that I have ever seen,” assessed Bryan.  “Running back Avantae McCoy, younger brother of Penn State running back Akeel Lynch is one of the best running backs in his age group, possibly in the country, his speed and lateral quickness is hard to be reckoned with.”

“Receiver Erik Johnson and defensive tackle Jejuan Sparks are all tremendous players expected to do great things.”

As for Team East, Steeves expects great things from the explosive, powerful core of running backs.  Furthermore, the defensive unit will be relentless and tenacious in their attack.

“I really like our group of running backs.  Kevin Victome, Nolan Meinzinger and Jacob Asselin are all very athletic and are talented football players,” evaluated Steeves.  “Defensively, what is most impressive is our team speed and aggressiveness.”

“I think Colin Henley-Vachon and Nathan Casimir can get to the ball in a hurry and have potential to make a big play every time they are near the ball.”

On Saturday afternoon, Team Central hopes to come out on top while soaking in the OPC experience.

“Our expectations and goal is to first win the game and in that process ensure that all of our players have fun, have a great experience and are able to showcase their talents to the province,” elaborated Bryan.

Equally, Team East hopes for a successful yet rewarding experience for all those involved in the game.

“Number one is to have fun,” commented Steeves.  “The OPC is in the middle of OVFL training camp for a number of these players so my focus is making sure they enjoy the experience and soak in the experience of being able to play at one of the best facilities in the country in TD Place.”

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