2008 WATERLOO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2007 Regular Season Record: 3-5
2007 Regular Season Standings: 7th in OUA
2007 Playoff Record: No Playoffs

OVERVIEW

The Warriors will look to build upon last season as they head in the 2008 campaign. Under second year head coach Dennis McPhee, Waterloo will continue to get better as they strive to move up in the ranks of the OUA.

In 2007, Waterloo stormed out of the gate winning their first three games before faltering down the stretch and missing the playoffs. The Warriors look to learn from their misfortunes and return to the postseason for the first time since 2003.

After a full season of learning new systems and adjusting to a new coaching staff, the Waterloo rebuilding process is on the upswing. Coach McPhee’s coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Joe Paopao, remains intact and will provide continuity and consistency for the Warriors.

Third year quarterback Evan Martin (Kitchener, ON) will be looked upon to lead the Warrior attack. Heading into year two as a starter, the offence has stability at the pivot position. Martin threw for 791 with 5 TDs in 6 appearances last season. Martin’s number one target, Sean Cowie (Burlington, ON), returns to the Warrior receiving corps. In 2007, Cowie hauled in 40 passes for 581 and 3 TDs. Cowie is poised to become the Warriors all-time leading receiver with 6 more catches surpassing Adrian Thorn (1992-1996).

On the defensive side of the ball, DE Andrew Heely (third year, Carlisle, ON), LB Kyle Schertzer (fourth year, Waterloo, ON) and DB John Boonstra (third year, Waterdown, ON) will be relied upon to lead their respective units. Heeley led the Warriors in sacks (8) and pressure off the ends. Schertzer returns to full health and will help develop the LBs. Boonstra racked up 31 tackles with one interception in 2007, and will be the number cover guy in the secondary.

For the first time in Waterloo history, Warrior Football will play their home games on the existing UW campus. 'Warrior Field' will provide home field advantage adding to the excitement of the 2008 season.

HEAD COACH -- DENNIS MCPHEE

- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2008): 2
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2008): 4
- Career regular season record with team: 3-5
- Career regular season record in CIS: 13-11
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 3-5
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 15-13

QUOTES:

On developing a winning tradition: "It is a privilege, not a right, to play Warrior Football. There is an expectation every year to get better. There is a high level of commitment to play here at Waterloo. The kids that play the best, will play. We will continue to push the envelope as the program moves in a positive direction."

OFFENCE

Key Returning Players:

QB Evan Martin (5-foot-10, 200 lbs., Kitchener, ON). Martin returns for his third season, second as a starter. Martin threw for 791 with 5 TDs in 6 appearances last season. Evan is more knowledgeable of the offensive system and expectations are set much higher.

OL Tom Bruce (6-foot-1, 270 lbs., Kitchener, ON). Bruce returns for his fourth season. Despite past injury he is a classic overachiever and a leader on and off the field.

REC Sean Cowie (6-foot-0, 190 lbs., Burlington, ON). Cowie return for his fourth season. He is extremely bright and a quiet leader. He demands a lot from himself. In 2007, Sean caught 40 passes and is now second all-time on the Warriors receiving list with 89. Cowie will surpass the record with 6 catches this season.

Key Recruits:

Jon Roney (North Vancouver, BC - Handsworth SS). At 6-foot-4, 215 lbs. and a strong arm, Roney has all the tools to be a top CIS quarterback. He is very competitive and will push the returning QBs to be better.

Colin Wicks (Lake Fletcher, NS - Lockview HS). Colin was one of the top OL prospects in the country. At 6-foot-5, 280 lbs. he is physically imposing. He is everything UW looks for in a recruit. Colin is an extremely intelligent player and will be a force on the O-line.

Brandon Donick (Hamilton, ON – St. Thomas More). Brandon (5-foot-10, 175 lbs.) is a RB from St. Thomas More in Hamilton. He comes from a high school program that won two provincial titles. He can also return kicks and punts and is a strong runner for his size.

Dustin Zimmerman (Calgary, AB – Bowness HS). Dustin (6-foot-2, 245 lbs.) is one of the top recruits coming from Alberta. He has a huge upside as an offensive lineman for Waterloo.



DEFENCE

Key Returning Players:

DL Andrew Heeley (6-foot-2, 226 lbs., Carlisle, ON). Andrew returns for his third season on the defensive line. He is one of the top DL in the OUA. He has solid pass rushing skills and gains tremendous pressure off the end.

LB Kyle Schertzer (6-foot-1, 235 lbs., Waterloo, ON). Kyle returns for a fourth season healthy. He is very athletic and agile. He will have an opportunity to step right in and develop the LB corps.

CB John Boonstra (5-foot-11, 185 lbs., Waterdown, ON). Coming into his 3rd season, John has developed into the Warriors top corner. Arguably the fastest player on the team, John has tons of talent and will match up against the top receivers in the league.

Key Recruits:

Will Flesher (6-foot-4 240 lbs., Sudbury, ON – Lasalle SS). As an all-star from Sudbury, expect Will to challenge for a starting role right away. He has all the right tools to excel at this level.

Jordon Verdone (5-foot-11 215 lbs., Sault Ste. Marie, ON – St. Mary’s). Jordan is one of the top recruited linebackers in the country. He has a great nose for the ball and has incredible football instincts. He will make an immediate impact on defence.

Stephen Hall (5-foot-9 170 lbs., Hamilton, ON – St. Jean de Brebeuf). Stephen comes from a great high school program. He will challenge for a spot right away in the Warrior secondary.

Key Losses:

Waterloo loses a number of key players, specifically on defence. Linebackers Stephen Campbell and Shane Everest will be missed. Both brought a fierce tenacity to the Warrior 'D'. Former all-star Darren Kisinger leaves a hole on the defensive line. Also on the defensive front, Adam Kania came to Waterloo to finish his Masters and to complete his final year of eligibility in 2007. Adam is now suiting up for the Hamilton Tiger Cats.



2008 Schedule

Sept. 1 - Waterloo @ Toronto, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 - McMaster @ Waterloo, 1 p.m.
Sept. 13 - Waterloo @ Western, 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 - Waterloo @ Ottawa, 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 - Laurier @ Waterloo, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 - Guelph @ Waterloo, 1 p.m.
Oct. 10 - Waterloo @ Windsor, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 - Queen's @ Waterloo, 1 p.m.

Source: Waterloo Athletics

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