Ironmen Varsity look to challenge for the cup


The Senior Ironmen look to enter the 2010 season as one of the top teams challenging for the OVFL Championship. The Ironmen have gone 14-1-1 under Head Coach Rob Underhill during the past two season and were eliminated in last years Conference Finals 10-9 by the London Falcons. This year would normally be considered a rebuilding year for most teams who graduate 8 starters on the offence, and 10 starters on defence however Coach Underhill is extremely optimistic – “Although we lost a number of key players, we have some talented junior players moving up from our successful JV program. Talent and athleticism will not be an issue, but it will be important for some players to step up immediately in leadership roles”.

Offence
The QB position will feature a battle of old and new Cathedral HS gunslingers. Ryan Brady who successfully filled the position last year after Danny Cerino suffered a broken wrist will be pushed by Denzel Rocha who is coming off a break through high school season, with success running a spread offence. The ground attack remains a strong point for the Ironmen offence . The“Thunder and Lightning” tandem of Ryan Kotar and Ryan Silvestri should be able to keep the sticks moving, and force defences to crowd the box. A depleted receiving core with loses like Mike Dicroce and Nate Lane, will rely on the talented veterans Curtis Pryce to stretch defences vertically, and the sure hands of Mike Hayes to find holes in zones. Rookies Zack Lacselle, and Jordan Rebelo while impact immediately. The O-Line will be captained by veteran snapper Kevin Malcolm, and Luke Armstrong. Rookie Allstar Dylan Bernardi will contribute immediately, and moving Charles Capretta from the D-Line will give the offence plenty of time and space to move the ball.

Defence

The Defence once again will be a focal point of the ironmen team, and should once again lead the league in yards and points against.
The D-Line returns veteran Tackles Anthony Dinguanna, and Nathan Aref. The addition of 6’4 290lb Adam Valchuk only strengthens an already talented group. Hamilton Hurricaine Matt Brady and Rookies Shea Reid and Miles Morton will rotate through the DE spot preventing teams from running outside. Linebackers are the strength of the defence, with returners Sam Randazzo, Andrew Curran, and Ethan Bruzzese all fighting for starting roles against the talented Joe Richardson and Konrad Cochrane from McMaster university, and Rookies Julian Hooker and Renato Rossi, all of whom will see playing time. The Defensive secondary will be led by lockdown corner Steve Ventresca who claims the throne from departed OUA rookie of the year Cody Lynch. He will get help shutting down WR’s by veteran Matt Rowan, and All-Star calibre rookies Brendan Fitzpatrick, and Alex Bourgieous. Hard working Frank Cerino will get a chance to prove his worth starting at the halfback spot , while tall and talented Dylan Campbell, and Jacob Barry will share duties at Free safety.
This years team is sure to provide the same combination of hard-hitting and finesse as teams in the past, but uniquely brings a youthful energy and confidence which will set the tone for a successful season.

strengths – Defense, and Running game

Success – We have a lot of young players – we need new players to take on leadership roles, and we have to limit our number of penalties which has been a problem of the past

Returners – QB Ryan Brady, RB Ryan Kotar, RB Ryan Silvestri, OL Kevin Malcolm, OL Luke Armstrong, DT Anthony Dinguanna, DT Nathen Aref, DE Matt Brady, LB, Sam Randazzo, LB Ethan Bruzzese, LB Andrew Curran, DB Steve Ventresca, DB Frank Cerino, DB Matt Rowan

Players to Watch – RB Ryan Kotar, WR Curtis Pryce, DL Adam Valchuk, DL Anthony Dinguanna, DE Matt Brady, LB Joe Richardson, LB Renato Rossi, DB Steve Ventresca DB Eric Cornell

The Hamilton Ironmen Football Club are all very excited to start this years season!! Many new and exciting events are scheduled, in hopes to make their Football Club one of the Best training programs in Hamilton.
Their New Home Turf of McMaster University- Ron Joyce Stadium is alone one of the Biggest changes to the club offering excellent exposure not only to their Hamilton fans, but also to the interests of all Recruiters in Ontario and making them more visible to everyone throughout the Region. They are very proud to work hand in hand with all Recruiters, Coaches and Staff at McMaster University, Hamilton Hurricanes, and of course the feeder League from where it all starts, The Hamilton Minor Football Club [HMFA}
Many of their Ironmen players have continued to successfully play for the McMaster Marauders, Hamilton Hurricanes and some who have been fortunate to carry on to the Pro’s This year they have also added over $10,000 worth of new equipment, this will give their Qualified coaching Staff the advantage in training the players and preparing them for the next level. They are also able to provide some of the best Coaching in the City by having their very own Coaching Facilitator on Staff.
All our players who make the final cuts on all three divisions will be handed Travel Bags and Attire this year, as part of their accomplishment. Their commitment and hard work do not go unnoticed and their players are very respected on and off the field, and they show great pride representing the City Of Hamilton. As a Not for profit Club they are very proud to be able to give its players the best of everything.

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

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