CFC50 Game of the Week PREVIEW (SK): #CFC50 Centennial Chargers looking to continue winning ways in Forest Park Bowl

CFC50 Centennial Chargers vs. St. Joseph Guardians

Friday, September 15th at 5:30pm, SMF Field in Saskatoon

It’s the Forest Park Bowl, it’s the Chargers, and it’s the Guardians.

Two schools that share the same practice facility.

Two schools that each reside on Nelson Road, the rivalry is natural.

They grow up playing each other, and dream of playing in this matchup under the lights on Friday night.

This Friday night is that night.

The stands are a lock to be packed, each and every time these two schools meet on the field (Photo credit: Just Sports Photography and Louis Christ)

Centennial and St Joes both got off to the starts they were hoping for in week one. The Chargers defeated Tommy Douglas handily, winning 40-21. Meanwhile, the Guardians were dominant from start to finish, beating up on the Bethlehem Stars 28-7.

St. Joesph has struggled in the past couple of meetings against Centennial, and the Chargers will look to continue that trend in week two.

Centennial quarterback Taran Prefontaine got off to the senior year he was hoping for in week one, providing an impressive performance through the air. 211 yards on 11/17 passing, while throwing for three touchdowns. Prefontaine is a first-year starter, spending last season as a backup. However, the grade 12 pivot, is familiar and confident on the big stage as he was forced into action in last seasons 4A city final.

Prefontaine in action in 2016. Photo Credit: Louis Christ

“Not only are we looking to continue our winning streak against St. Joseph and to take home the Forest Park Bowl trophy once again, but we are excited to set the tone for the rest of the season. We are prepared to work hard as a team and drive the ball down the field. But most importantly, put points up on the board and get the win, which will give us momentum to pursue the city championship we are all hungry for.” says Prefontaine, when asked about the importance of the welcome week game.

Centennial’s offense is loaded, with top end skill players that surround Prefontaine. Receiver Dillan Heintz is one of the best at his position in Saskatchewan and has already displayed his skill set this year, going off for 91 yards and two touchdowns against Tommy Douglas. In the backfield, Centennial will enter with a two-headed monster. Zak Kryzak and Thomas Coghill are both talented runners and will keep the Guardians guessing. #CFC100 offensive linemen Rodeem Brown is a beast in the run game, but he will be faced with a difficult task on Friday night. Brown will be going tow to tow with one of the best pass rushers in the nation.

#CFC100 St. Joes defensive linemen Daniel Okpoko is widely expected to make his season debut Friday night. Okpoko missed the Guardians season opener, however, will be ready to roll in the rivalry game. The pass rusher is arguably the most talented football player in the province and can single-handedly change the result of a game.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Guardians attack will go through running back Keagen White. White was the bell cow in week one and will be counted on the continue to produce against the Chargers. He carried the ball 17 times, racking up an insane 255 yards and managed to find the end zone once.

St. Joes struggled to move the ball through the air against the Stars, and that will be a concern going forward. Quarterback Josh Povhe threw for 57 yards on 4/11 passing with a touchdown to go along with an interception. Receiver Alan Spoonhunter is a big target who can break a game open, and Povhe will count on him to get the aerial attack going.

I’m predicting the Chargers will continue their recent dominance in the Forest Park Bowl. I anticipate the Guardians will struggle to move the ball through the air, allowing Centennial to stack the box with run stoppers with the goal of slowing down Keagen White. The battle between two of Canada’s best in #CFC100 Rodeem Brown and #CFC100 Daniel Okpoko will be a treat to watch. With two of Saskatoon’s best programs slugging it out on a crisp fall Friday night. What else could a football fan possibly ask for?

Prediction: Centennial 24, St. Joesph 13

 

 

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