#CFC50 high school matchup [Non-conf.]: Pirates looking forward to the challenge

The Grant Park Pirates (Winnipeg High School Football League) head to Dryden Ontario on Thursday to take on Thunder Bay city champ’s the Churchill Trojans. The Pirates 2015 season came to an end in the quarter final game versus the Oak Park Raiders. The quarterfinal was an exciting game with both teams trading knockout punches until Oak Park took over in the 4th.

This year’s version of the Pirates will see some new faces in the roster. Tony Rossi and Peter LeClair have both moved on, Rossi signing with Western Mustangs. LeClair anchored the offence as their pivot, while Tony was a rock on defense, both earned WHSFL Senior Bowl honors.

“It is impossible to replace Tony’s leadership, hard work and athleticism,” mentioned coach Dough Kovacs. Grant Park has two players who have stepped up and remind them of Tony. Valentine Lazo and Tyson Spence will try to fill the spot left by Rossi. Valentine is already a two way starter much like Tony and is 1 of 5 players to ever start as a grade 10 at Varsity. Coach added, “Tyson played for the U-18 Team Manitoba and is a tireless worker in the weight room, his stats speak for himself and we are counting on him to anchor the run opposite Valentine on our defense.”

There are currently two quarterbacks battling out for the starting job. Jared Boone and Brendan Tessler have both taken turns as the starter in drills and it will come down to Thursday’s game to determine who will be the starter week 1 vs Murdoch MacKay. “Regardless of the outcome Thursday, both will play in games,” said Kovacs.

A few players have stood out and surprised Coach at camp. Brandon O’Connor has made his way into coach’s good book, Kovacs explained, “Brandon O’Connor has really stepped up his game and become a force in our offensive attack, blocking, running and receiving and I expect him to challenge for some major awards this fall since his numbers are going to shock some people.” Outside linebacker William Huh has played well at camp and has become a force off the edge. “He consistently makes plays in the backfield and is physical at the point of attack.” Also, Nick Rooswinkel has impressed by showing he can be a two way starter and special teams ‘dynamo’ as he is currently starting middle linebacker, plays guard and starts on all special teams. Coach said, “He is a team leader and a captain candidate and continues to impress with his work ethic.”

Last season Grant Park traveled to Brandon to play Sheldon-Williams from Regina and beat them 39-7. The Pirates love to participate in travel games. They find it very beneficial to go out and play top competition around us that isn’t currently in the AAA WHSFL division and are always looking outside of Winnipeg for new teams to play. “We are looking forward to the challenge from Churchill High School in Thunder Bay as they have a strong tradition in their home town and we would like to see how we match up against them,” concluded Coach Kovacs.

 

 

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