BY SCOTT
HADDOW
In 2005, the Sudbury high school football league was dominated
by two teams -Lockerby and Confederation. Both teams stood a
notch above the rest of the league and met in the city
championship, with Lockerby winning a thrilling 7-6
victory.
This year, the league has found an overall harmony, as most
teams match up well against one another.
The first game is today, Wednesday, Sept. 13 when St.
Benedict takes on St. Charles at St. Benedict at 4:30 pm.
Thursday, Sept. 14 sees Notre-Dame hosting Lo-Ellen at 4:30 pm.
On Friday, Sept. 15, Confederation hosts Sudbury Secondary at
1:30 pm. Lockerby and Lasalle go to war at Queen's Athletic
Filed at 7:30 pm.
Here's a look at each team.
Lockerby Vikings
As stated above, the Vikings were the class of the league in
2005.
Backed by a veteran corps of punishing defenders such as linebackers Jason Cecchini and Kevin Garbuio and a great running game lead by Neil Petrin, Lockerby rampaged their way to the top of the standings, going 5-0, and the city crown.
Graduation has hit hard though as Cecchini, Garbuio, and Petrin
are all gone.
Despite the exodus of talented players, Lockerby still has
an embarrassment of riches.
The Vikings feature quarterback Chris Sampson, who has a
strong arm. He has a skilled core of receivers (Pat Truskoski,
Fabian Reccolet, Blake Mason and Myles McKay) to throw to and
they should provide plenty of offence.
The offensive line has two returning all-stars and promising
rookies. They're also big. The line features Pat Fleming
(six-foot-five, 300-pounds) and Steven Fretz (six-foot-four,
280-pounds).
The defence will be led by back Ben Fenton and linebackers
Pat Regan and Kevin Stradiotto.
"We're younger and faster," said head coach Geoff Richer. "We will be more versatile and have a balanced attack.
We lost a lot on defence and offence, but we have a great running back in Adam Legault who's probably faster and stronger than Petrin and everyone in the league will know who this guy is."
Confederation Chargers
The Chargers came within a whisker of lifting the city title
high above their heads in 2005, and the squad is looking to go
the extra step this season to realize the dream.
Another team hit hard by graduation, the Chargers have
regrouped in a big way, starting with the coaching staff.
Sudbury Spartans all-star wide receiver Brandon Dougan is the head coach and he has added former Sudbury Secondary coach and Spartans teammate, Dave St. Amour, to help the squad over the hump.
St. Amour, arguably one of the best NFC offensive players of
all time, will blend in nicely with Dougan and company to form
a deep and resourceful staff, which should produce solid
results.
Like the Vikings, offence will be the key at Confederation.
The team returns a talented collection of quarterbacks, running
backs, receivers, slot backs and tight ends.
At the centre will be running back Mike Switzer, who rang up
800+ yards last year. Along with fellow runner Joe Longhi, the
team will make its push on the ground.
"I think we will have the best offence in the league, if we get the blocking" said Dougan. "We have a great mix of youth and vets and if they come together, we should be in the finals."
St. Charles Cardinals
In 2005, most wrote off the Cardinals before the season even
began. When the dust settled, St. Charles was near the top of
the heap.
It would be unwise to bet against them again in 2006.
Head coach Mike Fabiili and his staff uphold the
long-standing tradition of proud football at the school, and
this year will be no different.
They may not be the most talented or biggest squad, but the
Cardinals will play with tenacity, heart and purpose every
game. Fabiili will ensure it as he carries a great deal of
infectious pride with him.
The guts of the squad will be running back Marco Armeinto,
who recorded 500+ rushing yards in 2005. The team has plenty of
new faces, especially on defence. Despite their experience, the
players are aggressive, strong and fast.
"It's a rebuilding year," said head coach Fabiili. "There's a lot of tradition here and the team will play with a lot of heart and be very tough. The kids are extremely dedicated."
Lo-Ellen Park Knights
The Knights are banking on a team first mentality to get
over the hump and claim a city title. In the summer, head coach
Kevin Ellsworth and assistant coach Rob Gruhl, built a new
locker room for the squad and they hope it brings the team
closer.
Lo-Ellen is deep in all the skill positions. Their success
will hinge on if the offensive line can get the job done and
allow the offence to open up.
The team features one of the best wide receivers in the
loop, Chris Cull, who hauled in 300+ yards in 2005. The defence
features a host of character guys who are rough and tough.
Stalwarts Alex Makitalo and captain Jeff Conrad anchor the
defence.
"We have to come out fast," said head coach Ellsworth. "It's a balanced league, so wins will be hard to come by. We're in good shape and this was the first time in years we actually might have to have cuts."
Lasalle Lancers
The lancers took the 'B' Division playoffs and now they want
to show the league they're contenders for the 'A' crown. The
team lacks overall size though, and will rely heavily on speed
for wins.
The team expects big things from returning players such as
quarterback Nick Liard, receivers Derek Weiss and Curtis
Sutcliffe, running backs Daice Fontaine and Justin Davis along
with all-star slot back Graham MacRae.
"We're going to be explosive," said head coach Mike Derks. "We have the capability to score fast and often. Our offensive line is sound. Our new guys are outstanding athletes with a lot of sheer talent. We should be better this year."
 St. Benedict Bears
After a disappointing season, in which the team won only one
game in 2005, the Bears return with plenty of good news to
boast for 2006.
The team is talented, deep and well coached. Many players
also have the benefit of playing a full summer of elite ball
with the Sudbury Northerners. The squad is looking to prove
they're winners and can compete with the best.
On offence, the Bears have, arguably, the most skilled
quarterback in the league in Andrew Kirkwood. He will be the
engine that drives the offence and the team's overall success.
He played Northerners football in the summer.
Other Northerners who will be impact cogs for St. Benedict
are full back Brent Edwardson, offensive lineman Jason Major,
and defensive players John Mikus, Mike Glass and Mike
Bartolucci.
They will be expected to lead the team to glory.
"This is a veteran group that has gelled together over some tough season," said head coach Franco Rocca. "Fans can expect to see some of the best players in the city looking for respect. Talent is not the question...the veterans must put it all together this season."
 Notre-Dame Alouettes
There's potentially only one way for Notre-Dame to go in
2006 and that's up. The team suffered through a tough season in
2005, going winless and finishing dead last in the standings.
The squad still faces size issues, but returns 27 players who are one year older and stronger. Unfortunately, the club has no veteran fifth year player in the line up, so experience will also be a question mark.
The defence will be led by Rob Godin, Frank Desmarais and Rob
Guitar. All have big hearts and play with intensity. The
offence will rest on running back Jeff King and full back
Gaston Boucher.
Head coach Paul Gauthier sees a light at the end of the tunnel though. "Our players have become faster and stronger," said Gauthier. "If our practices have been any indication, our guys are dedicated and they show the will to work hard.
If they keep it up in every game, they will accomplish some good things. They deserve some wins."
Sudbury Secondary North Stars
The North Stars made loud noise in 2005, surprising teams with their game and finishing fifth overall. They will have their work cut out for them again as former coach St. Amour has taken his act to Confederation. Paul Shanks takes over the reins and he has had good numbers out at practice, indicating the desire of the school body is still there. The team will be led by running back Dustin Crowder, who ran for 437 yards in 2005. Coach comments were unavailable as of press time.
