The Lancer Football team is ready to kick-off their 2011 OUA season on Monday as they battle the Toronto Varsity Blues in the Labour Day Classic on Alumni Field. Game time is set for 1:00pm.

 

Following the hiring of interim head coach Joe D'Amore in the off-season, the Lancer Football team is gearing up for the start of a new era that will hopefully culminate with a return to the playoffs in 2011.

 

The Blue and Gold have already hit the turf once this season, as they traveled out to Saskatchewan to face the Huskies in pre-season play.

 

The team had strong showing in Coach D'Amore's debut, despite falling 34-23 against the No. 5 ranked Huskies.  

 

On offense in 2011, fourth year quarterback Sam Malian is back at the helm for the Lancers. The veteran pivot provides stability and leadership at the quarterback position and has a clean bill of health for the fall. He will be pushed by second year standout Austin Kennedy who is also expected to see time behind centre.

 

In the backfield, the Lancers are expected transfer standout Shomari Grant to get plenty of touches this season. Grant was electric in Saskatchewan against the Huskies and will be a big offensive threat this Monday against the Varsity Blues. Veterans Paul Lefaive and Kamar Anglin will aso see action in the backfield as well.
 

At the receiver position, Coach D'Amore has an experienced core of veterans led by Jordan Brescacin and Cory Fernandes. The pair of receivers has shown big-play potential in the past which will be important facet of the offense this fall.

 

On the line, three starters have moved on, leaving a sizeable hole in the offensive line. Veterans Jarod Olsen, Samir Mouawad, and Nick Corrado will be mainstays on the line along with transfers Jacob Myall, Philip Haydu and rookie Jeremy Veres.

 

Defensively, the Lancers appear much improved. Seamus Postuma is the backbone of the defensive line which includes Andrew Bakos, and Taras Potypilnyj.

 

The line backing corps is expected to be one of the strengths of the team in 2011. Akeem Whonder and Brad Adams highlight the group along with newcomers John Moynahan, David Flewelling and Eric Kinnunen.

 

Shea Pierre returns on the corner along with experienced veterans Udoka Nwaesei, Matt McGarva, and A.J Langlois. Add in freshman Marcus St. Aubin from Hamilton and this group looks poised for a breakout season.

The kicking game will be a battle throughout training camp between returnee Dan Cerino and local rookie Sebastien Rimbert. Cerino was responsible for kickoffs last year and is looking to take over the kicking duties, but he will be pushed by Rimbert this season.

 

In their meeting, just a year ago on Labour Day weekend in Toronto the Lancers defeated the Varsity Blues 26-17. Over the past four years, the Lancers are undefeated against the Blues, out-scoring them 136-55.

 

Following Monday's match-up against Toronto, the Lancers will hit the road and face the No. 10 Laurier Golden Hawks on Saturday September 10th in Waterloo.

 

The Lancers return home on September 17th when they take on the No. 3 ranked McMaster Marauders in their first game under the lights at 7pm.