2011 CIS Football Team Preview: Saint Mary's Huskies

Source: Lori Forbes, Saint Mary's Sports Info

2010 regular season record: 5 – 3
2010 regular season standings: 1st place
2010 playoff record: 1 - 1
2010 playoff finish: Lost to Calgary in the Mitchel Bowl

The 2010 season was a bit of a roller coaster ride.  Having lost the first three games of the regular season, to winning five straight and the conference championship was quite an accomplishment.  Once again when the cross-over game occurred and we had to travel to Calgary, we were not able to continue the success against a strong Calgary team. With a new season upon us, we believe that athleticism of the team has improved and we have more team speed to compete with the best in the country.  How we start in the first couple of games, will determine a lot of how the season goes.

Quote from head coach: 

“Many changes have occurred in the Huskies Football Program over the past year.  We have hired two full-time coaches; Devin Murphy to be the new Defensive coordinator and Pierre Lefebvre as the Special team’s coordinator.  We have also added some new position coaches and with that a new sense of energy has been brought into the program.  With over 40 recruits in camp plus the retuning players, we are cautiously optimistic of where we are headed says Head Coach Sumarah.

Head Coach Sumarah:

- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2011): 6th season
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2011): 6th season
- Career regular season record with team: 29 - 10
- Career regular season record in CIS: 29 - 10
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 35 - 15
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 35 - 15

OFFENCE

Key returning players:

RB – Craig Leger returns for his 5th season with the Huskies an AUS All-star last year and league rushing leader with 604 yards.  Craig will provide leadership and help form a great duo in the backfield with teammate, Devon Jones.
RB – Devon Jones returns for his 5th year of eligibility as part of the dynamic duo of backs.  Devon’s role changed as the year went on last year becoming a slot back and short yardage back.  He led the conference in rushing touchdowns with 6.
REC – Jahmeek Taylor returns for his 4th season.  The reigning league MVP has come off a busy summer where he represented Canada in the world Championship.  One of the top performers on special teams in the country he is going to force teams to kick away from him.
REC – Kevin Walsh returns for another season.  Kevin had an up and down season last year but still had 24 catches for 357 yards.  Kevin is expected to be a major contributor on offense.

Key recruits (or newcomers: transfers):

QB – Jesse Mills from Halifax, NS.  Jesse led Team Nova Scotia to a win over Alberta.  He also won the Provincial championship in Nova Scotia and he is a competitor who can make all of the throws.
REC – Kevin Wuthrich from Edmonton, AB.  Kevin has been on the practice roster for the Edmonton Eskimos for the past two years.  He understands the game and will compete for every ball.
RB – Melvin Abankwah from Toronto, ON.  Melvin has breakaway speed and quickness which will make him an immediate impact player on special teams and offense.
OL – Jamie Wandell from New Westminister, BC.  Jamie played in the NEC All-star game in the US and did extremely well.  He is a big physical player who likes to get off the ball.

Key losses:

Tackle – Adam Baboulas graduated and playing for BC Lions 
Tackle – Tommy Gibbons graduated
Receiver – Ahmed Borhot not returning

DEFENCE

Key returning players:

DL – Dan Schutte 5’11 270 lbs Defensive tackle from Red Deer, AB.  Dan was an CIS All-Canadian last year and captain of the defence he will continue to be a force to reckon with.
DB – Mark Holden 6’2 180 lbs. from Halifax, NS.  Mark was a 2nd team All-Canadian last year and the leader of the secondary.  He is an intelligent player who comes up with big plays every game.
DE – Rob Jubenville 6’2 255 lbs. Defensive End, came into his own last year as he was third in the conference in sacks and 8th in tackles.
LB – Kyle Norris 6’3 235 lbs.  Kyle returns for his 3rd year with the Huskies.  He has dressed the past two seasons and is now ready to make the jump into starter.

Key recruits (or newcomers: transfers):

DB – Kenzie McNeil from Halifax, NS.  Kenzie was the MVP of the Nova Scotia league and played both ways.  He will be coming in and competing in the secondary
LB – Marvin Golding from Montreal, PQ.  Marvin played on the Bol ’Dor Champions Vanier Cheetahs.  He has the uncanny ability to be able to cover and rush the passer.  He is the perfect fit for our defence.
DL – Pat McLennan from Montreal, PQ.  Pat played at Champlain College last year and was a pass rushing specialist.  He is tough and instinctive off the edge.
DB – Kayin Marchand-Wright from Montreal, PQ.  Kayin lead the CEGEP league in interceptions this past year and was another key in Vanier’s success last year.

Key losses:

LB – Ryan King, will be coaching this year
LB – Jeff Hecht playing for Montreal Alouettes in CFL
LB – Leroy Fontaine neck injury