PREVIEW: “…there have been two or three years when you know you’re stacked”

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OAK PARK RAIDERS (WHSFL – WINNIPEG, MANITOBA):

The Oak Park Raiders of the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL) quite simply have one goal for the 2014 season.

“We expect to compete for the championship this year,” said Raiders Head Coach Stu Nixon, who is entering his 13th season in the position.

Experience will be a key advantage for the Raiders.  Moreover, a CFC 100 running back and recent University of North Dakota commit will be making a return.

“In 2014, we have only graduated eight players from the previous season,” explained Nixon.  “As well, Brady Oliveira has decided to stay at Oak Park rather than return to Canada Prep where he played in 2013.”

“Two thirds of our team is returning including our quarterback and the whole offensive line.”

Brady Oliviera

In addition to CFC 100 Oliveira, the Raiders offense will be led by quarterback Ethan Diakow, receiver Andre Elison as well as offensive linemen Eric Koskie, KJ Whittaker and Josh Hamilton.

On defense, the key returnees to watch for are linebacker James Najduch as well as defensive linemen Machour Akau and Tyrone Hastings.  The secondary will be led by Max Baldam, Alex Eberling and Adam McDonald.

However, the Raiders have lost defensive back Mike Penner, linebacker Jesse Defone and Xavier Prime.

“In coaching in the WHSFL for 27 years, there have been two or three years when you know you’re stacked,” added Nixon about the roster.  “We have no glaring weaknesses this year.”

As for the competition in the John Potter Division, Nixon expects the Raiders to face stiff competition each week of the season.

“The Potter division of the WHSFL is the most highly competitive division in our province,” assessed Nixon.  “In the Potter division of the WHSFL, there are always teams that you know will be well coached and talented.”

 

Oak Park

OAK PARK RAIDERS (WHSFL – WINNIPEG, MANITOBA):

2013 RECORD: 3-4, lost to St. Paul’s Crusaders in WHSFL quarterfinals

HEAD COACH: Stu Nixon (17th season)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: 11

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE: 10

KEY RETURNEES: Ethan Diakow (quarterback), Brady Oliveira (running back – CFC 100), Max Baldam (defensive back), Alex Eberling (defensive back), Adam McDonald (defensive back), James Najduch (linebacker), Eric Koskie (offensive line), KJ.Whittaker (offensive line), Josh Hamilton (offensive line), Andre Elison (receiver), Nikko Difonte (kicker), Machour Akau (defensive line), Tyrone Hastings (defensive line)

KEY LOSSES: Mike Penner (defensive back), Jesse Defone (linebacker), Xavier Prime (running back)

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)

 

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