2018 will be in the inaugural season for the Sturgeon Spirits. The Spirits will be playing out of Sturgeon Composite High School in Namoa, Alberta and competing in the Gillifan Division 3 of the Metro Edmonton Athletics Association.
The student/athletes from Sturgeon Composite have played football for the CFC50 Bellerose Bulldogs since 2005 when Chad Hill (Coach of the Spirits) began coaching at Bellerose. Since the 2005 season, the Bulldogs have had several Sturgeon athletes achieve high levels of success including the following Bulldog team MVPs: Mitch Millet (2007), Devin Kondro (2008.2009,2010), and CFC100 Quade Kozak (2016,2017).
Chad Hill’s team will have 48 players registered for the upcoming, inaugural season. Eighteen of these players have suited up for either the senior or junior Bulldogs. “We also have approximately eight coaches coming over from the Bulldogs,” said Hill. Hill is a division one Coach of the Year for the past two seasons himself (2016 and 2017).
Quarterback Zach Froese was the Junior Bulldogs MVP and started in two provincial games for the varsity Bulldogs. Zach led the team to their first provincial game victory in team history over the Centennial Coyotes from Calgary as he stepped in for injured league MVP, Quade Kozak. Hill replied, “Froese is a dual threat QB who racked up over 700 yards rushing and 1000 passing yards for the Jr. Bulldogs. He is the incumbent heading into his sophomore season.”
One of Zach’s targets will be slot back Nathan Brake. Nathan was a starter on the Bulldogs last season and piled up over 300 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns despite being injured to start the season. “As one of only eight seniors, he will be looked to for leadership and his ability to make explosive plays,” said Hill. “He (Brake) is also a threat as a punt returner.”
Addison Chaabane will be a multi-purpose utility player on offense for the Spirits. Coach Hill mentioned, “He (Chaabane) has a rugged and aggressive style of play as both an undersized offensive Tackle and a hard blocking, power running Fullback.”
On the defense side of the ball, Karl Haasz will be looked to as an impact player as an edge rusher. Karl played on the 2017 Bantam Bowl Alberta North team.
Sophomores Kolby Phillips and Marc LeBlanc will provide leadership and experience.
Rookie wide receiver William Campbell will be a player to watch as he had some highlight reel touchdown catches in the spring league midget season with the St. Albert Storm.
The Sturgeon Spirits’ two x-factors are rugby players Alex Herrard and Colten Brenneis. “Both young men are 200 plus pound explosive athletes who are brand new to football,” said Hill.
Strugeon Composite will be successful in their first season as a football team if the coaches can teach sound fundamentals to brand new players and establish their core values and team identity. Hill replied, “2018 is sure to be an interesting and exciting first season.”
Sturgeon Spirits (Gilfillan Division 3 MEHSAA–Namao, AB)
Twitter: @SturgeonComp
Head Coach: Chad Hill
#CFC50 Ranking: n/a
2017 Record: n/a
X Factors: Alex Herrard and Colten Brenneis
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