CFC continues to preview CIS teams for the 2013 season. In this next preview, the OUA’s York Lions are featured.
YORK LIONS:
There is one goal the York Lions want to achieve in 2013.
“We want to be a playoff team this year,” commented Lions Head Coach Warren Craney. “Our first recruiting class is going into its third year and so the majority of our players finally have some past experience to build upon.”
“We also had a strong recruiting season and are very excited about the players we have coming in.”
This season, the Lions will rely on their key strength – their offensive unit. Quarterback Myles Gibbon (fifth year), wide receiver Devante Hobbs (third year) as well as offensive linemen Jordyn Moore (third year) and Max Sullivan (third year), will be depended upon to lead the unit on the field. Gibbon and Niko Stamatis (second year) will be the Lions quarterbacks this season.
“We have veteran leadership, plenty of skill and a solid offensive line,” added Craney of the Lions offense.
One player who is on the verge of a breakout campaign on the Lions offensive unit is wide receiver Ryan Dunaway (second year).
“He has all the tools to be a great receiver; he’s a big target with great hands,” evaluated the Lions Head Coach. “He only appeared in one game last year while mostly being behind veteran receivers, but will get the chance this season to show his skill and he has the ability to be a star on offence.”
While the Lions defense will have returning linebacker Hussein Hazime (third year), defensive end James Tuck (fourth year), defensive back Josh Small (second year), linebacker Michael Runowski (second year), linebacker Emerson Morassutti (third year) and defensive lineman Jamal Campbell (second year), it is one area that is a weakness on the team.
“The weakness is the defence because the players are mostly young,” said Craney.
The team is also trying to fill the void left by the departures of defensive end Patrick Russell running back Kyle Exume, defensive back Andrew Collymore and wide receiver Nathaniel Griffith.
“The gaps were filled with another strong recruiting class,” added the Lions Head Coach.
As for the OUA, the Lions are expecting tight competition for their opponents.
“Once again we expect the league to be strong,” assessed Craney. “Everyone has gotten better in the off-season and it will be a battle for the six playoff spots.”
Craney predicted that the Queen’s Golden Gaels will be the team to beat in the OUA conference in 2013.
“They are at the top of their cycle and have a veteran group that is extremely talented at all positions,” commented the Lions Head Coach.
One team that could prove to be a pleasant surprise in the conference is the newest one on the block – the upstart Carleton Ravens.
“They have a strong model and I think they will be much better than people think they will,” evaluated Craney. “They have been recruiting heavily and have the best recruiting class in the conference.”
As for the Lions, they are fearless when it comes to the task at hand – realizing their ultimate goal in 2013.
“We have a young group but the players are looking to build their own future at York and they aren’t afraid of any opponent,” said Craney. “We are looking forward to seeing the team continue to grow on the field and believe that this group of players can continue the program’s improvement and contend for a post-season berth.”
YORK LIONS:
2012 RECORD: 2-6
HEAD COACH: Warren Craney (fourth season)
KEY RETURNEES: Myles Gibbon (quarterback), Devante Hobbs (wide receiver), Jordyn Moore (offensive lineman), Max Sullivan (offensive lineman), Hussein Hazime (linebacker), James Tucker (defensive end), Josh Small (defensive back), Michael Runowski (linebacker), Emerson Morassutti (linebacker), Jamal Campbell (defensive lineman)
KEY LOSSES: Patrick Russell (defensive end), Kyle Exume (running back), Andrew Collymore (defensive back), Nathaniel Griffith (wide receiver).
“X” FACTOR: Ryan Dunaway (wide receiver) “He has all the tools to be a great receiver; he’s a big target with great hands.” –Warren Craney, York Lions Head Coach
Photo credits: York Lions Sports Information Website
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