By Mia Ines
 
After one year of post-pandemic competition, the Windsor Lancer football team is ready to jump back into competition with a new focus on developing a young team and making them a challenging opponent to face.
 
The blue and gold open the 2022 OUA regular season this Saturday night, August 27th, at Alumni Stadium when they host the Ottawa Gee Gees at 7:00pm. 
 
As the Lancers have been preparing for the upcoming season, it will be the first time since the COVID-19 hiatus to return to a regular 8-game schedule and they are looking forward to seeing how they stack up against all teams across the OUA.
 
"The blue and gold this season feels bigger than just the football team," explains Demir Tagani from the defensive line, a 2021 OUA all-rookie team member. "We are representing a city that's been looked over for years but this year we will shine brighter than ever before."
 
Lancer head coach Jean-Paul Circelli and the coaching staff have been working on developing the strength and speed of many young players in their program with grad transfers who are able to step in and contribute immediately. "Offensively, we expect to have a strong run game with a veteran offensive line," discusses Circelli. "Lead by team captains Anu (George) Una and Justin Arnold, this group is expected to open big holes for running backs Joey Zorn and Chris John. In the passing game, Lancer fans should be watching veteran receivers Callin Bethune, Finn Bradbrooke and Justin Amoah haul in passes from quarterback Danny Skelton and Carter Zinger."
 
"On the Lancer defensive line, led by veterans Muftah Ageli, Melyk George and Tayo Adeyeye, this group will make it difficult for opponents to run and pass the ball," continues Circelli. "Lancer fans should watch for linebackers Devon Veresuk and Liam Hoskins to build upon their great freshmen seasons, while looking out for Breton MacDougall and team MVP Andrew Beatty roaming the defensive secondary."
 
The roster is outmatched in young talent with freshman running back Liam Talbot and grad transfer receiver Griffin Schillingford looking to make an immediate impact on the Lancer offense. Defensively, grad transfers Kolade Amusan and Maceo Christmas will also add a veteran presence and physicality to the program. 
 
Circelli is certain that the strength of the new recruits, transfers, and returning student-athletes can be successful this season and is imperative on staying healthy. With the overall goal of making it to the playoffs, it is anyone's game once in the tournament and the Lancers are excited to battle towards a common goal.
 
"A strength we have and will continue to work on is our relentless and mercilessly effort," states Tagani. "We are a family, nothing less than that. We hold each other accountable and keep growing through hard work." 
 
With the blue and gold stronger than ever, there is nothing holding them back to being a dominate team to put up a fight.
 
Individual game tickets and season tickets are available at goLancers.ca/tickets and the game can also be seen live on OUA.tv and YourTV Windsor.