The Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL) is back in action this Friday night when CFC#7 St.Paul’s Crusaders host the Sisler Spartans.
The Crusaders are coming off a win against the Vincent Massey Trojans while the Spartans defeated the Sturgeon Heights Huskies in their season opener. These two teams met last season with the Crusaders taking the contest 51-0.
This season will be big for the Crusaders who have had some changes in their lineup and are coming off a championship loss. Nine of their players were selected to last year’s Senior Bowl including three defensive backs and quarterback Drake Lesperance.
These changes haven’t affected the mindset of the Crusaders. While talking with linebacker Regen Roche he expressed the value of his teammates.
“We’ve got a great group of guys and we just want to work towards getting better each week and each time we play,” said Roche, who is currently sitting out with a knee injury and won’t be in Friday night’s game. “We are looking forward to having a great year.”
The Spartans are a team that could give some teams trouble this year. Running back Randy Sanderson is now with the Manitoba Bisons Besides Sanderson, the Spartans are mostly the same team from last year.
“We have a good core of nucleus I think from last year that stuck around,” said Coach Sean Esselmont.
The key for the Spartans to beat Crusaders is a combination of discipline and teamwork.
“St Paul’s is always a powerhouse team, so our key for this game is to play disciplined,” said Bailey Pavcek. “We have a solid group of players this year and I feel if we play our best football we won’t be stopped.”
This game is one of Spartan’s only Friday night games this season.
“We get a full week of practice and a lot of prep time just letting the kids go out there and show their stuff under the lights,” added Esselmont.
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