A New Beginning, a New Season
With nine seasons under its belt, the Limestone District Grenadier Football Club strives to field competitive teams and give young players the opportunity to reach the next level. Playing in the Ontario Varsity Football League the Grenadier’s participate in three divisions, Bantam, Junior and Varsity, and draws players from six local counties. They can boast a number of player alumni in Canadian and United States universities, the Canadian Football League and in the National Football League. There are currently over thirty former Grenadiers listed on Canadian university rosters.
One team looking to make its mark is the junior squad despite having a majority of new players. What they do have is a familiar face in head coach Mark Magee returning for his third season. Magee remains optimistic that he can lead the Junior Varsity Grenadiers to victory. To achieve this, Magee’s program philosophy is “to have hard working, unselfish players that are willing to sacrifice their time and jump in with both feet to build a competitive team.”
Throughout the upcoming season, in order to keep the team motivated, Magee is a firm believer of preparation during practice. “I feel that if the kids are prepared mentally and physically, the rest will take care of itself,” said Magee.
“If something needs to be said, I will generally try and instill that message at practice during the week.”
When it’s game time, all Coach Magee asks of the guys is “to turn it loose, trust their coaching, trust their teammates, trust their instincts and leave everything you have on the field.”
This season’s team is comprised of mostly fresh young players, but this isn’t to say the team doesn’t have any talent. Some of the key players to keep an eye on this season are Chase Peck (Belleville) and Robert Magee (Kingston) who will be throwing the pigskin downfield and are both capable of making some big plays. Returning running back Hayden Deacon (Belleville) and rookie Connor Burtenshaw (Kingston) will be counted on to run the ball down the hash marks.
Quarterback for the Junior Grenadiers, Chase Peck
runs from coverage during a controlled scrimmage
on Sunday, April 29, 2012. (Photo by: Eric Healey)
“A sound defense to me is one that can make a team earn the field. They must be strong fundamentally, pick spots to be aggressive and create turnovers,” said Magee.
Scoring touchdowns is a key factor in winning games but a solid defense is also essential. On the opposite end of the ball is Owen Dyer (Gananoque) and Austin Akey (Belleville) who will help solidify an all-rookie front four. Defensive back Conner O’Neil (Kingston) and linebacker Jonah Murrant (Belleville) will anchor an athletic secondary.
“A shutdown defense would be great but at any level of football it is difficult to achieve,” said Magee. “But if it happens I won’t be complaining.”
Behind the ball, behind all the players is the head coach. Behind the head coach is the rest of the coaching staff to help make things happen. A couple of honourable mentions go to Glenn Foster and Jeremy Snider. Foster has led teams to thirteen CFSSA/KASSAA championships, winning seven of them. Jeremy Snider is returning for his 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] season with the Junior Varsity program as the offensive line coach.
The Junior Grenadiers first game of the season kicks off against Ottawa Myers Riders on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 1:00pm at Loyalist Collegiate & Vocational Institute.
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