PREVIEW: “There are certainly some players with big shoes to fill…”

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OTTAWA GEE-GEES (OUA – OTTAWA, ONTARIO):

The Gee-Gees had mixed results in 2013, experiencing highs such as a 523-yard passing game vs. Toronto and a win over bitter rivals Carleton in the return of the Panda Game, as well as seeing defensive tackle Ettore Lattanzio named the OUA’s Lineman of the Year after leading the CIS in sacks, as well as bitter defeats at the hands of Western and McMaster.

Looking ahead to 2014, the second season under head coach Jamie Barresi, the Gee-Gees will need to improve defensively (the team ranked 8^th in the OUA) and balance a new quarterback with a new running back on offence.

 

“There are certainly some players with big shoes to fill, but I am pleased with the work that the players put in – they are a hard working group,”commented Gee-Gees Head Coach Jamie Barresi.  “We’ll have more depth on defence this season, and things will be evolving on offence.”

“The early part of the season will be key for us in terms of getting our young guys ready. The big thing for this group is to take a step forward and improve on 5-3.”

OFFENCE:

RETURNING:

REC Ian Stewart is the senior man on the receiving corps this season, and had two 100 yard performances last year. The fourth-year from Burlington, Ont. has three career touchdowns.

Third-year Vincent Campbell was electric on special teams last year and has the speed to eat up yards, while sophomore Nic Dagher was first on the team last season with 82.1 yards per game.

DEFENCE:

RETURNING:

Ottawa will get the services of  Andrew Randall and Nick Lecour on defence after both missed the entire 2013 regular season due to injury.

Ettore Lattanzio has led the Gee-Gees in sacks in each of the last three seasons, and enters his fourth year as the reigning national sack leader and 1^st Team All-Canadian. Marc-Antoine Laurin, entering his third season, led Ottawa with 34.5 tackles in 2013.

Dustin Wilson attended the East-West Bowl in 2014, while Williams was invited in 2013.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

RETURNING:

Lewis Ward was 12-17 on field goal attempts as a rookie in 2013, longest was 39 yards. Domenic Bellardini averaged 37.6 yards per punt, also as a rookie.

OTTAWA GEE-GEES (OUA – OTTAWA, ONTARIO):

2013 RECORD: 5-3 (fifth in OUA), lost in OUA quarterfinals to McMaster Marauders 41-7

HEAD COACH: Jamie Barresi (second season)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENCE: 6

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENCE: 8

KEY RETURNEES:  Vincent Campbell (slotback), Nic Dagher (slotback), Taylor Servais (offensive line), Ian Stewart (receiver), Mack Tommy (running back), Adam Valchuk (offensive line), Derek Wendel (quarterback), Ettore Lattanzio (defensive line), Marc-Antoine Laurin (linebacker), Nick Lecour (linebacker), Andrew Randall (defensive line), Zach Wilkinson (defensive back), Randy Williams (defensive back), Dustin Wilson (defensive back), Domenic Belardini (punter), Lewis Ward (kicker)

KEY LOSSES: Aaron Colbon (quarterback), Brendan Gillanders (running back – Toronto Argonauts), Simon Le Marquand (receiver), Andrew Mullings (receiver), Rob Griffiths (linebacker), Matt Bond (defensive back), Julien Campbell (linebacker)

NEW ADDITIONS: Jackson Bennett (running back – CFC 100),  Greg Cherniak (running back), Bryce Vieira (running back – CFC 100), Tanner Care (linebacker – Bishop’s transfer), James Flemming (defensive back), David Hron (linebacker); Kingston, Osas Obas (defensive line – CFC 100), Jeff Radford (linebacker), Felix Daigneault (kicker/punter)

(Source: Jen Elliotts, Ottawa Gee-Gees Sports Information)