Sports

Youth movement leading midtown’s football teams

The NFL has commenced its 2015 campaign. The CFL is going full bore as it heads into the last few months before the Grey Cup. That also means the Toronto District School Board, and CISAA will start up their new seasons.

For the TDSB, Northern SS, Leaside HS and Lawrence Park CI hit the field in Tier 1. North Toronto CI seeks revenge against Malvern Black Knights, who claimed the Tier 2 Central Division title from the Norsemen.

When it comes to the independent schools, Upper Canada College looks to make it a three-peat for the CISAA title. UCC Blues won last year’s title over St. Michael’s College School. The two schools are also starting a new tradition with a rivalry match, Oct. 23 at Varsity Stadium

Without a further blitzing, here is the Town Crier‘s preview of the six schools in midtown with gridiron troupes.

Lawrence Park Panthers

League: TDSB (Tier 1)

Coach: Mark Harrison

2014 Result: 1-4 regular season record; lost 21-0 to Etobicoke Rams

Who to watch: Connor Labbett (RB), Shomari Hutchison (WR), Josh Wade (LB), David Weldon (DB), Charlie Nunn (DB), Braeden Wolf (LB), Jack Shields (QB) and Charlie Doris (QB)

First 2015 game: Oct. 2 vs. Downsview SS

The buzz: “We’ve got this slew of Grades 11s that look great … There are too many to name. I’m really excited about that — the depth.” ~ Harrison

Leaside Lancers

TUMBLIN' DOWN: Daniel Popa, left, is taken down by teammate Andrew Alvarado during a Leaside Lancers practice, Sept. 17.
TUMBLIN’ DOWN: Daniel Popa, left, is taken down by teammate Andrew Alvarado.

League: TDSB (Tier 1)

Coach: Jim Georgiadis

2014 Result: 2-3 regular season record; lost 37-10 to Richview Saints in the quarterfinals

Who to watch: Matthew Georgiadis (QB)

First 2015 game: Oct. 1 @ Northern SS

The buzz: “Our numbers are a little low on the senior side. I’m really excited about the junior team this year, in terms of the number of kids and quality of kids on the junior team. I hate to look a year ahead, but things bode well for the future.” ~ Georgiadis

North Toronto Norsemen

SNAP DECISION: Dylan Levy of North Toronto CI, takes a snap during practice, Sept. 16.
SNAP DECISION: Dylan Levy of North Toronto CI, takes a snap during practice, Sept. 16.

League: TDSB (Tier 2)

Coach: Shawn Hood

2014 Result: 3-1 regular season record, lost 21-14 to Bendale BTI-Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs in the Tier 2 quarterfinals

Who to watch: Dylan Levy (QB), Liam Woods (DE/SB), Taite Hopkins (CB), Mikkel Shiffman (TB) and David Giancola (SB)

First 2015 game: Oct. 2 vs. Lakeshore CI

The buzz: “We’re coming back hungry this year. We’ve only got seven returning players, but we have a lot of talent coming up from the junior squad. The junior team had a really successful season — they made it all the way to the city finals. So as coaches we’re really excited with all the talent that we have and we’ll see what we can do with it.” ~ Hood

Northern Red Knights

BLOCKING THE PATH: Northern Red Knights coach, Don Dominico, second from right, shows Jaiden Hyland the basics of being on the offensive line.
BLOCKING THE PATH: Northern Red Knights coach, Don Dominico, second from right, shows Jaiden Hyland the basics of being on the offensive line.

League: TDSB (Tier 1)

Coach: Dan Dominico

2014 Result: 5-0 regular season record; lost 21-0 to Richview Saints in the City Championship semi-finals.

Who to watch: Daniel Adeboboye (RB), Teshaun Tran (QB), Matt Howell (TE/OL), Jerrom Ogenrawt (DB), Jason Richards (CB) and Ben Sherman (LB).

First 2015 game: Oct. 1 vs. Leaside HS

The buzz: “We have a lot of good juniors coming up. Like I said we’ve lost a lot of players from last year, and we’re going to have to depend on these juniors to come through and help us. We’ve got a couple of Argos helping us coach: Eric Black and Anthony Coombs.” ~ Dominico

St. Michael’s Kerry Blues

THROWIN' SMOKE: St. Michael's Kerry Blues go through goal line scoring drills during a practice, Sept. 17.
THROWIN’ SMOKE: St. Michael’s Kerry Blues go through goal line scoring drills during a practice, Sept. 17.

League: CISAA

Coach: Frank Trentadue

2014 Result: 3-3 regular season record; lost 24-14 to Upper Canada College Blues in the CISAA finals

Who to watch: D’Andre Ramsden (WR/DB), Jaeden Washington (LB/FB), Adrian Cole (RB/LB) and Matthew McBain (OL/DL).

First 2015 game: Sept. 26 vs. Trinity College School (St. Mike’s lost 36-26)

The buzz: “Part of the motivation this year is establishing a rivalry game with UCC. It’s a game to be played at Varsity Stadium. Both schools are looking to make that a spectacle. U of T is opening up their doors to us. It’s being called The Battle of the Blues.” ~ Trentadue

Upper Canada College Blues

League: CISAA

Coach: David Brown (taking over for David Shaw)

2014 Result: 6-0 regular season record; won the CISAA championship 24-14 over the St. Michael’s College School Kerry Blues

Who to watch: Aidan Power (QB/CB), Clayton Jeffrey (S/SB) and Gabriel Boucher (LB)

First 2015 game: Sept. 26 vs. St. Andrew’s College (UCC won 30-25)

The buzz: “Obviously with Dave Shaw leaving us that leaves a huge void for us. We’re missing him, but the league is very strong this year. Even though Villanova has dropped out, there are only four teams, but Trinity, St. Mike’s and St. Andrew’s are going to be very strong. I think we’re a pretty strong team, as is everyone else. We’re trying to get the guys to earn this next season.” ~ Brown