COWICHAN THUNDERBIRDS
2652 James Street
Duncan, BC
V9L 2X2
250 746-4435 (s)
250 746-1561 (f)
  THE BIG PICTURE: The inaugural season for the T-Birds looks to be both exciting and inspiring with a large roster packed with raw unkempt talent and sheer determination. With every position up for grabs, practices are intense and full of emotion. Our lack of game experience will be subsidized by our team’s pure athletic ability. We are deep at every position and our best talents have yet to be determined. This season we will be looking to raise some eyebrows, turn some heads, and develop a storied tradition at Cowichan Secondary.
OFFENSE: The majority of our players that have football experience are emerging as offensive weapons. Our O-line is anchored by two big strong tackles, which are bookends to solid and physical interior linemen, with our center being the biggest of the crew. There are numerous players all vying for our receiver positions, every one of them showing that they can play. The Running back spots will be filled by two prototypical styles: a power back and a finesse back. Finally the Quarterback position is the hardest to decide because there are three completely different styles of athlete and each one of them brings a different dimension to our offense.
DEFENSE: We are blessed on defense with a plethora of athletic ability. What we will lack in on field football knowledge, we will make up for with athleticism, enthusiasm and a hard work ethic. We have size, strength and grit on our Defensive Line. Linebacker is the strength of our 3-5 defense. We will start 5 linebackers averaging 5’11, 195 lbs, who being from Cowichan, just want to find the ball and hit people. Between the tackles could prove tough slogging for opposing running backs. We demand a lot from our Defensive Backs, and they seem to be delivering thus far in spring ball. They are fast and quickly learning the demands of these challenging positions.
COACH SLATER SAYS: We have all the right tools for an explosive first season. Our athletic ability is second to none and with the quality of coaching here we should be in hitting our stride come mid-season if not sooner. With inexperience being our only limiting factor, I can honestly say we are the only team that gets better every time we hit the field. Commitment to excellence and the willingness to learn will be the gas that gets this football engine revving.

JOHN BARSBY BULLDOGS
550-7th Street
Nanaimo, BC
V9R 3Z2
250 753-8211 (s)
250-753-2430 (f)
THE BIG PICTURE: The 2001 Bulldogs carry high hopes and a first class work-ethic into the new season.  Winter months have been spent lifting weights, playing basketball, and on the rugby pitch.  In a nutshell this group has committed itself to attaining a state of superb physical condition.  Playing the toughest schedule in the toughest conference is going to demand every ounce of preparation from the undersized Dawgs.  The team strength is maturity with over 80% of the squad lining up as seniors.  Most positions are deep with experience and athleticism.  The biggest question going into Fall is how healthy the roster will be after an unfortunate plague of non-football injuries.
OFFENSE: Spring Football was played with one starter returning on the offensive line from a unit that allowed zero sacks during regular season play in 2000.  Should stalwarts Doug Campbell and Mitch Brook return healthy when the leaves start falling, the Harewood Freight Train will begin to roll. The receiver position is stronger than it has ever been with senior starters Nick Pletsch and Jason Playford leading the way.  Junior Colin Parsons is set to challenge for a starting role based on tremendous off-season strides.  Walk on players and Jr. Dawgs entering the sr. ranks this year will be solid contributors.  Tight-end is a position where the competition is strong and players are competing to make their mark. The receiver position is legitimately the strongest on the team.  The offensive backfield is Barsby's mystery this coming season.  Tailback Justin Davies has the physical tools to eclipse his predecessors at the position.  The difference will probably be made during summer where weights and track will turn great potential into the real deal.  Davies will share duties with hammer man Chris Ward at the "feature" postition.  Both runners will be running in the wake of surprise performer "Tomi I was born with leverage Hayashi" a young man who will probably lead organizations the likes of NASA or Microsoft when his highschool days are over.  Jesse The Moose Nelson is another prototype fullback who will take reps in the Dawg backfield this year.
DEFENSE: Defensively, the Dawgs are looking to get to the football quickly and in great numbers.  Someone read a US coin and decided that E Plurbus Unum applies to this unit...Many As One.  Opposing ball carriers can look forward to a day beneath gang tackles should this unit live up to its billing.  The defensive line is going to be an active group emphasizing quickness and assignment execution, the linebackers led my ILB Nate Hughs and OLB Mike Elliot will be punishing and a very fast group of defensive backs will be the mop-up crew.  Opportunistic and swarming, the Bulldog defense will keep the team in every game.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Special Teams are a point of emphasis for the Dawgs and the best 18 play. Speed rules the special teams field at Barsby and the track meet starts in August.
COACH R. STEVENSON SAYS: Overall, the Dawgs have a lot of question marks to eliminate and people to train-up before going into leage play vs Sentinel in late September.  Early games vs State quarter-finalist Orcas Island of WA , BC AAA semi-finalist South Delta, and an upsurging mass of humanity up in Timberline will help the Dawgs cut their teeth in preparation for league play that leaves no margin for error week in and week out in remaining schedule.  If the Dawgs make it to the playoffs and if they are healthy, anything can happen.

MT. DOUGLAS RAMS
3970 Gordon Head Road
Victoria, BC
V8N 3X3
250 477-6977 (s)
250-477-0277 (f)
THE BIG PICTURE: Entering its sixth year of existence as a proram, the Mount Douglas Rams are poised for a turnaround in their play.  The team has a mix of quality veterans coming back as well as some exciting new players that will be fun to watch in the years to come.  Despite being in the toughest division of football anywhere in BC, the Rams are anticipating a +500 season for the first time in recent team history.  This goal will be reachable, of course, only with the consistent effort of the players in the weight room and on the field during the offseason.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK: The Rams offense is likely to stick with its 50/50 pass/ run attack from past seasons.  The receiving corps looks to be an excellent group and the running backs are all extremely talented at all positions.  With the commitment to training and learning the admittedly advanced offensive system, the Rams' offensive unit could be outstanding this season.
Quarterback: An uncertainty this Spring, the QB position at Mt. Doug has been solidified greatly with the addition of Jay Edmison to the lineup.  Jay, replacing the injured Ryan Hildebrand, threw 3 touchdown passes in the Spring Jamboree at Caledonia Park in Nanaimo.  With the return of Hildebrand this fall, the QB position looks very good for next year.
Running Back:There are a number of good running backs on the squad next year, each bringing different skills to the backfield.  Andrew Spear will lead the team with his outstanding speed and increasing ability to read holes and burst through them.  Steve Harwood will provide a change of pace with his quick, shifty runs and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.  Newcomer Luke Hinton will pound the ball up the middle from the fullback position, catch out of the backfield, and lead through holes with vicious intentions when blocking.  Raz Diacu and Chris McRae will push provide both speed and blocking ability to the fullback position, as well as ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Offensive Line:The offensive line has historically been a problem area for Mount Douglas Football in general.  In the past, there have been players who had skills, but were not willing to put in the effort to train in the off-seasons to make themselves competitive against the quality of opposition AAA football has to offer.  This year's squad (lord willing) will try to break that trend.  Anson Locke leads the line with his quick feet and solid pass blocking ability.  He is joined by Guy Alaimo, and junior Andrew Shand as the only returning offensive linemen to the team.  Fortunately, newcomers Jack Geisbrecht, Jason Venkaya, Seann Butler, and Mason Fehr all showed great potential this Spring in the jamboree.  With these people in the gym and on the track this offseason, the unit could be a good one for next year's Rams.  Without the effort training, it will be the weak link on a potentially very good squad.
Receivers: Of all the groups on the offensive unit, the receivers for next year may have the greatest potential because of the sheer numbers of truly talented players at the position.  They are unquestionably lead by team captain and standout tight end Trevor Stack, who at 6'4", 200lbs. can both run downfield and make acrobatic leaping catches.  At the jamboree in Nanaimo, Stack led all receivers in receptions and was an integral part of the offense, especially on 3rd downs.  Joining him will be possibly the best athlete on the team, Ryan Hildebrand, who was probably the most talented offensive player on the Rams last year as a junior.  Hildebrand can line up at wide receiver, slotback, quarterback, or tailback.  He is a true triple threat.  Added to these two players are newcomers Jordie Oberg, Fabian Poirier, Derek Roy, Tyson Martin, and veterans Brendan Norton and Brian Urquhart.  This looks, on the surface, to be the best group of receivers Mt. Doug has ever fielded in its six-year history.  Only time will tell.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK: Mount Doug's defense can be best described as having strong potential.  A number of players showed flashes of brilliance at the recent Jamboree, but the unit has yet to gel and play consistently.  Improved footspeed in the offseason and more expsoure to the defensive system will change the defensive outlook and provide consistency and toughness to the defensive unit.
Defensive Line:The Rams are quick inside and tough at this spot.  Mason Fehr, Jason Venkaya, Joel Roberts, and Anson Locke provide the tough inside stopping power and tenacity, while Rick Rostek, Luke Hinton, Trevor Stack, and Ryan Brock provide outside contain and pressure on the opposing quarterback.  More experience for this group will mean a much tougher time for opposing offenses.
Linebacker: Strangely enough, this perennially easy to fill position will be difficult to fill for the Rams this coming year.  A number of players have the skills and physical makeup to excel there, but no one has really stepped up and taken over at the position.  Luke Hinton and Mason Fehr would both make outstanding twin backers in the Rams' 50 front D, but are needed on defensive line to shore up some holes.  Logan Kube showed some promise in practice, but was unfortunately knocked out of the jamboree with a concussion in the early going and didn't get to prove himself the way the coaches suspect he can.  The position remains a question mark as of right now.
Defensive Back:This year's DB's look like a very solid group.  Veterans Brian Urquhart, Chris Spencer, Brendan Norton, Andrew Spear, Steve Harwood, Trevor Stack, Dave Gayle, and Ryan Hildebrand will be pushed hard by impressive newcomers Jordie Oberg, who had 3 interceptions (2 called back by penalties) on the same SERIES at the jamboree; Fabian Poirier, a punishing tackler with impressive speed, Derek Roy, Jordan Davies, and a cast of others.  Stack is a punishing and sure tackler at the safety position, while speedy corners Urquhart, Norton, and Hildebrand will try to contain the air attack of the other teams in the division.  This looks to be a very competitive spot for next season.  Many difficult choices ahead for the defensive backs coach.

N.D.S.S. ISLANDERS
355 Wakesiah Avenue
Nanaimo, BC
V9R 3K5
250 740-2000 (s)
250 740-2001 (f)
THE BIG PICTURE:  Entering the ranks of BC Junior Varsity High School Football with their inagural season, these Islanders are pioneers of much to come.  Attitude, commitment, and enthusiam are staples with the players of this program.  Hard work, hustle, and a "No Slack" motto is the driving engine of this quality program.  Assited by a large coaching staff, the Islanders look to the future when a new Senior program emerges to challenge the right to represent the Island.
OFFENSE:   Having a strong representation on the staff of converted Barsby coaches, the Islander offense will resemble the Bulldogs in many aspects.  At pivot, the strong arm of Drew Chandler will be responsible for many a frustrated DB.  The ground attack will be divided among the speed merchants Joey Diplock and Cody Criss, led by bank vault Eric Shoquist.  Utility player Colin Pippy will see action at all the skilled positions.  The carrott choppers are a large, determined set of athletes led by veteran Alec Brydon.
DEFENSE:   An aggresive, pursuit defense is the keystone to the Islander program.  The aim is to keep it close so the offense can put it away.  A powerful, disruptive D-Line led by Leaves Russell will keep offenses searching for most of the day.  Mac backer Tyson Browett will be responsible for anything that leaks through.  DBs are another strength of this fine corps.  Fast and experienced, these fellows are going to deliver the blows that keeps the game where it should be played, on the ground.
COACH N. STEVENSON SAYS: Hustle, fundamentals, and fun are the watch words of this new addition to Island football.  A very talented,and big team, this small group of players is looking forward to harnessing a playaff spot and reaching into post season play.  Keeping an eye to the future, these pioneers are establishing solid ground work for a Varsity level team for many years to come.

TIMBERLINE WOLVES
1691 South Dogwood
Campbell River, BC
V9W 8C1
250 923-9500 (s)
250 923-9525 (f)
THE BIG PICTURE: 2001 marks a giant step forward for the Timberline Wolves senior football team. The year 2000 was our best season yet finishing with a 7 and 3 record and narrowly missing a trip to BC Place with 12-7 loss to Seaquam in the division wildcard game. According to head coach Steve Sheridan "2000 was a turnaround season for our program, we showed we could compete with the best in the province, for 2001 we must continue forward as we move to AAA, the premier division of BC High School Football". Coach Sheridan was all smiles when he witnessed what promises to be Timberlines best collection of athletes sign up for the 2001 season.
OFFENSE: The Timberline Offence is anchored by veterans Ryan Saunders 6'1",250 lbs and Chris Cammack also 6'1" and 250. The O Line average this year is 6' 2", and 265 lbs when we run Whole Hog. Spring 2001 saw 3 capable athletes vie for the Quarterback position. Graham Mosley, Josh Barry, and Billy Inrig will all see action at the Island Jamboree. The best of the group will get the honour of starting against the 2000 AA Champs John Barsby in our final game. There is nothing like pure competition to bring out the best in an athlete. In the backfield, TB Craig Bishop returns after an impressive junior season. Bishop was amongst the top running backs in the league in his junior year and promises to be unstoppable as he returns bigger and stronger this year. In Okie drills, Craig took a page out of Clayton Toner's "be the hammer, not the nail " philosphy as he laid a few weary Wolves on their south side. Sometimes the easiest way to the other side of the wall is straight through. In the hands department, coach Sheridan hopes that Brian Inrig and Karim Maher will turn in some big catches for the Wolves.
DEFENSE: Defensively the Wolves promise to be tough. Jonathan Olson aka Mac brings 6 years of experience for the defence to hinge on. Together with OLB's Eric Arkwright 5 years experience, and rugby crossover Tejay Delcasino, opposing offences will have to work hard for each and every yard. In front of this capable crew, junior DE Josh Palmer 6'2" 205, will anchor a D line with ironmen Chris Cammack DE, and DT's Ryan Saunders and Chris Castro. 2001 should see as much if not more talent in the Defence's backfield as Clayton Plamondon and Dave Matheson return, Rich Carriere moves to a starting role, and new talent Juan Van Der Merwe and Steve Zaschke emerge. When this group gets together in the fall of 2001, look for what could be the best Wolves defence ever.
COACH SHERIDAN SAYS: Our goal for 2001 is simple said head coach Steve Sheridan, "we offer no predictions with our move to AAA, we played one of our new division mates (Handsworth) last year and we won 40 to 14, they had bad year. We will be as good, if not better this year, the latter will be proven next November. Each game gives us the opportunity to win, and our guys have all the talent, size, strength and speed to win. Opponents can expect a dose of "smash mouth football" when they line up against us. The rest will be determined at the end of the each and every game".