Kickoff is only days away!
With the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) set to begin soon, CanadaFootballChat.com (CFC) is previewing some of the teams that will be competing this season.
In thisΒ instalment, CFC reporter Ian McBride previews both the junior varsity Hamilton Ironmen.
The junior varsity Hamilton Ironmen are trying to rebound after finishing with a lackluster 1-7 record last season.
βThe JV Ironmen are expected to make the playoffs this year,β says Head Coach Michael Cornell. βWe are in a rebuilding year but have great talent across the board. Our ultimate team goal is to re-establish the JV Hamilton Ironmen as a powerhouse in the OVFL and finish top 3 in our division.β
This season, the Ironmen have revamped their entire coaching staff. Head Coach/ Defensive Coordinator is former five-year CFL vet Michael Cornell, Offensive Coordinator is Josh Walker, Special Teams Coach is Jason Barnes and Positional Coaches are Greg Chiasson, Kiely Hall and Chris Johnston.
They are strong in several areas.
βToughness, Intelligence, determination, and resiliency are our greatest strengths,β says Cornell.
One aspect of their squad that requires improvement is depth at each position.
There are a few teams that the Ironmen are eager to suit up against.
βOur key matchups and rivals will be against whatever teams are the best in our division,β says Cornell. βIt will be London and Niagara.β
They also play Etobicoke twice, so it will be important for them to win those games.
The Ironmenβs key offensive players will be Adrian Allen, Ethan Bastarache, Tyler Davies, Brody OβNeill, Anthony Pimentel, Marcello DaSilva, Adam Tattrie and Deyvante Parker.
On the other side of the ball, their defensive standouts will be Emjay Delizo, Riley Wellstead, Raven Laframboise, Nick Ropcean, Zack Burmaster and Riley Graham.
The Ironmenβs first game of the season will take place on May 21 at 3:00pm against theΒ Essex Ravens.
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