PREVIEW: “Our goal for this upcoming season is to…hopefully build on last year’s success”

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ST. ROCH RAVENS (ROPSSAA – BRAMPTON, ONTARIO):

The St. Roch Ravens of the Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) are hoping that this season will net even more successes than the previous year.

“Our goal for this upcoming season is to improve from week to week and hopefully build on last year’s success,” commented Ravens Co-Head Coach Neil Majoros.

Experience and familiarity will be two strengths the Ravens will rely upon in their quest to achieve their gridiron goal in 2014.

“One of our strengths this season should be that we have an experienced roster who have played together for an extended period and are familiar with each other,” said Ravens Co-Head Coach Jon Beresford, who alongside Majoros returns for their sixth season at the helm.

CFC 100 pivot Kyle Gouveia will lead the Ravens’ offense.  In addition to Gouveia, running back Malcolm Miller, wide receiver/possible defensive back/kick returner Akeem Knowles, linebacker Mariano Christiaans, slotback/defensive back/returner Jamaal Nkrumah, fullback/running back Neil Harris, offensive lineman Chris Postill, wide receiver Nick Adeyeye and linebacker Nathan Frimpong will also be key returnees to watch for on the Ravens.

However, the Ravens will have to fill the gaps created by the departures of Kene Oneyka (Carleton), JR De lara (Mount Allison), Kyle Powell (Mount Allison) and Mickey Valcius (Mount Allison).

“We had some key linemen and defensive backs graduate and move on to the next level so we will require some Grade 11’s to step into those roles and contribute,” offered Majoros of how the team will address the losses.

 

Beresford described both the offensive and defensive units’ style of play that will be showcased this fall against opponents.

“Our offense and defense are based on speed and we will look to fly around the field,” said the Ravens Co-Head Coach.

Ultimately, the Ravens are expecting several teams to mount stiff challenges throughout the season.

“Our regular season will be the most competitive and exciting in years as the top 10 teams will be in a single division with each team playing seven of them,” assessed Majoros.  “You have to expect Lorne Park to once again be the team to beat coming off a Provincial Bowl title.”
“Teams like St. Marcellinus, Joan of Arc and d’Youville are very good year in and year out. Two teams who should be improved are Aquinas and OLMC who both had solid junior seasons a year ago.”

ST. ROCH RAVENS (ROPSSAA – BRAMPTON, ONTARIO):

2013 RECORD: 6-2, lost in Tier 1 Semi-Finals to St. Joan of Arc 12-0

NUMBER OF STARTERS – OFFENSE: 7

NUMBER OF STARTERS – DEFENSE: 9

KEY RETURNEES: Kyle Gouveia (quarterback – CFC 100),  Malcolm Miller (running back),  Akeem Knowles (wide receiver/possible defensive back/kick returner), Mariano Christiaans (linebacker), Jamal Nkrumah (slotback/defensive back/returner), Neil Harris (fullback/running back), Chris Postill (offensive lineman), Nick Adeyeye (wide receiver), Nathan Frimpong (linebacker)

KEY LOSSES: Kene Oneyka (Carleton), JR De lara (Mount Allison), Kyle Powell (Mount Allison), Mickey Valcius (Mount Allison)

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