New Wolverines squad set to kick off first season
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/08/2010 (5653 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
For the past four weeks the Westman Wolverines could only imagine what suiting up in the Manitoba Major Football League would be like.
Today, the players, aged 18-22, finally get to don game jerseys for a 3 p.m., showdown against the Fort Garry Lions at Neelin High School.
Led by coach Dave Stantial, the Wolverines will feature a lineup of mostly Brandon-based players.
"We’re looking really good," Stantial said. "We’ll have guys playing both ways and playing a little ironman football, but for the most part, we can run an attack."
Stantial likes how his offensive line has formed into a single unit, with former Crocus Plainsmen Matt Hogg and Tanner Sullik, Neelin Spartans alumnus William Hurl and former Vincent Massey Vikings standouts Tyson Gormley and Jordan Hicks.
That offensive attack will have an air dimension aided by a newfound on-field chemistry between former Plainsmen quarterback Jeff Caswell and wide receiver Nathan Kaluzniak, formerly a Viking.
"One of the things we’ve noticed in practice is the connection Caswell and Kaluzniak have made on the field," Stantial said. "They are really connecting well out there. They’ve never played together before. We’ll be passing to set up the run."
On the defensive side of the ball, Stantial intends to "get lots of pressure on them early so that we can stuff the run."
"The real strength will be our secondary because we have really good cover guys on the secondary who are fast and can get to the ball quickly," Stantial said. "I think interception-wise, we’re looking for a lot from cornerback Kyle Pacheco and from our safety Cody Baley."
Pacheco, who like Baley donned Spartan green in high school, will handle the kicking duties.
"It’s looking like he’s solid from 40-45 yards out," Stantial said. "That’s a good range."
While most, if not all, of the Wolverines’ lineup has high school experience, none will take any more reps at that level.
"This team is intended for those who are done with their high school career," Stantial said. "If they want to continue with football, here’s a place for them to play. We’re not out to have them be in high school and not play for their high school teams. If they can play high school, that’s where we want them to go."
The first test for the Wolverines, the Lions, reached the league final last season before falling to the North Winnipeg Nomads.
"From what I understand, they have a pretty decent passing game," Stantial said. "Their systems may change though. With us not having that history in the league to see what’s going on, all we can do is talk to other people. We’ve heard they have a decent linebacking corps."
That test, and the unknown factors, might be made a little easier to deal with by playing at home.