Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will be posting high school/Cégep team previews from June to September as part of our comprehensive season coverage. Canadafootballchat.com (CFC) has tapped into our network of coaches to produce team previews for the 2017 season. The #CFCteampreviews highlight top returning players, team strengths, and toughest opponents.
CFC also will bring you the national high school football rankings known as the #CFC50. Last year’s final rankings were the most controversial to date…and we heard about it. Whether you agree or disagree, we love hearing from you. For an explanation of how the rankings are computed, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
River East Kodiaks (WHSFL – Kas Vidruk AA, Winnipeg, MB)
Robin Mead is leading the River East Kodiaks into battle for his eighth year this fall. Last year, the Kodiaks finished 3-4, and lost in the semi-final. This year’s team will see 18 returning players in the lineup.
One major key to the Kodiaks’ success the last few seasons has now graduated. “We graduated our QB Bryson McNeil,” said Mead. “It will be difficult replacing his powerful passing game.”
We asked coach Mead about which team he thinks could surprise people, he replied, “We hope to be the team to surprise the league and we always strive to beat our arch rival Miles MacDonnell.”
This season, every game will be just as important for the Kodiaks because the Vidruk Division is tight and competition is fierce.
The Kodiaks look at their team and see the potential they have down the road. Mead explained, “If we improve every week and stay healthy we will make some noise come playoffs.”
Sam Hezekiah
With 16 rookies in their lineup, the Kodiaks will be working hard to get them ready for playoffs using the K.I.S.S method.
Coach Mead and the rest of his staff will be preaching in practice if you make an error, don’t make it twice.
This year’s version of the Kodiaks will be more of a running team.
At the helm this year is quarterback Joseph Funk-Clements. Funk-Clements is a transfer student that’s new to the Kodiaks. He has speed, agility and a decent arm.
Neil Payne is a former running back turned quarterback. Payne will back up at quarterback and running back.
Two players to watch for on River East are running back Jason Henderson, and defensive back Sam Hezekiah. Jason Henderson is a Senior, and provincial team member. Sam Hezekiah is in grade 11, and the best athlete at River East School.
The x-factor for the River East Kodiaks is Joseph Funk-Clements. “He is largely unknown to us as he is a recent transfer and did not play last year,” said Mead. “So far he looks like the real deal.”
River East Kodiaks (Kas Vidruk AA)
Head Coach: Robin Mead, 8th year as head coach
#CFC50 Ranking: n/a
2016 Record: 3-4, lost in the semi-final
Key Losses: Bryson McNeil
Number of returning players: 18
“X” Factor: Joseph Funk-Clements
If you would like your high school team previewed, please contact [email protected].
CLICK HERE FOR 2016 FINAL CFC50 RANKINGS
How is the #CFC50 evaluated?
The #CFC50 rankings considers all conference and non-conference games (in Canada and the United States) while scrimmages are not evaluated (there is no such thing as an exhibition game – those are non-conference games).
Leagues included in rankings: British Columbia AAA Varsity, Alberta Tier One, Saskatchewan 12-man 4A, Manitoba AAA Varsity, Ontario OFSAA Bowl AAA qualified teams, Quebec Juvenile Division 1, New Brunswick 12-man, Nova Scotia Tier 1.
The #CFC50 is a relative ranking that considers top tier leagues from all eight high school playing provinces (minimum one team represented from each province). The CFC Scouting Bureau consists of CFC Reporters, CFC Scouts, and also selected local reporters and scouts who submit local ranking results on a weekly basis. This is the eighth year that Canadafootballchat.com has ranked the top high school teams in Canada.
Join the conversation online #CFC50 #CFCpreivews
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