PREVIEW: “We need to stay healthy in order to have a successful season”

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HUNTING HILLS LIGHTNING (RED DEER, ALTA):

After a successful 2013 campaign, the Hunting Hills Lightning is looking to capitalize on it.

“We are looking to compete for a league championship and also be very competitive in Tier II provincials,” commented Lightning Head Coach Kyle Sedgwick who is back at the helm for the sixth straight season.

Last year, the Lightning was Central Alberta League Champions and was in the Alberta Tier II Provincial representatives.

This fall, many returnees will come back bolstered with the 2013 experience.

“Heading into 2014, we have a talented group of grade 12’s with lots of game experience, especially in the defensive secondary,” assessed Sedgwick.

As for the defensive secondary, it will be led by Matt Larsen, Dawson McCrady, and Linden Petersen. Additionally, linebacker Connor Brace will add strength and power to the Lightning’s defense, which returns five starters.

On the offensive unit, four or five offensive lineman will be back for the Lightning.  Brett Barrett will spearhead the team’s offensive game execution plan as he will be the starting quarterback.

“He is a good athlete with a big frame,” said Sedgwick of Barrett, who will be backed up by Grade 10 Eric Thomson.

Barrett will be supported by tailbacks Jin Ahn and Brant Burzuk.  Petersen will also look to improve on his all-star season at the receiver position. Additionally, Tanner Olstad will be looked upon to provide leadership and experience on the receiving corps.

Depth will be a weakness for this year’s Lightning squad.  Sedgwick offered that one thing will be a determinant of the 2014 season for the team.

“We graduated a large number of players last year so depth is definitely a possible weakness this season,” evaluated the Lightning Head Coach.  “We need to stay healthy in order to have a successful season.”

Overall, the Lightning expects things to be extremely tough this fall in their conference.

“Lindsay Thurber, Notre Dame, and Lacombe will all be very strong this year,” added Sedgwick.  “It will be a very competitive conference.”

Ultimately, the Lightning will rely on their key strengths to propel them to yet another successful fall campaign in 2014.

“We like to play fast,” commented Sedgwick.  “We aren’t also the biggest team so we rely on our athleticism and team speed on both sides of the ball.”

“We have a number of players with plenty of football experience and they are very football intelligent.”

HUNTING HILLS LIGHTNING (RED DEER, ALTA):

2013 RECORD: 8-1, Central Alberta League Champions, Alberta Tier II Provincial Representative

HEAD COACH: Kyle Sedgwick (sixth season)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: 6

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE: 5

KEY RETURNEES: Brett Barrett (quarterback), Jin Ahn (tailback), Brandt Burzuk (tailback), Linden Petersen (receiver/defensive back), Tanner Olstad (receiver), Connor Brace (linebacker), Matt Larsen (defensive back) and Dawson McCrady (defensive back)

KEY LOSSES: Not available

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