It's a safe year to rebuild in the Prairie Football Conference.
It seems nearly every one of the six teams in the junior football league lost a star or two in the offseason. In fact, of the 11 players who won individual awards last season, nine have either graduated from the junior ranks or moved on to a university team. Another two players from 2008 rosters (Dan Clark of the Regina Thunder and Kevin Wuthrich of the Edmonton Wildcats) cracked CFL practice rosters.
"(The turnover) is all over the place," said Saskatoon Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. "The good thing about it is everybody feels they have a shot right off the get-go and it's going to be the team that gels the most and plays the smart football that will put themselves in the best spot."
"To me it's a good year to come in with a young team because a lot of other teams are going to be fairly young too," said Huskies boss Dalton Smarsh. "No one's going to have an all-established team, though I can't say that for the Hilltops or the (Edmonton) Wildcats."
Here's a look at what to expect from each team and a few of the (many) new faces in the PFC in advance of this weekend's season-openers:
SASKATOON HILLTOPS
2008: 8-0-0; lost national semifinal to Vancouver Island Raiders.
Key returnees: QB Jordan Penner; OL Brad Peters.
Big losses: WR Andrew Busby; RB Adrian Charles.
New faces: None that will see significant playing time.
Outlook: Despite saying goodbye to stars like Busby, Charles, Zach Hart, Chris Mercer and others, the Hilltops will be fine. The two 2008 award winners still in the league? Both are members of the Hilltops defence (lineman Craig Albert and linebacker Corbin Eskelson). Penner, a sixth-year quarterback, stands behind a solid offensive line. Regan Schuler and Steve Grenier will take over at running back.
CALGARY COLTS
2008: 6-1-1; lost PFC final to Saskatoon.
Key returnees: DB Nemanja Miskin; WR Ryan McDermit.
Big losses: QB Julian Marchand; LB Carmen Fruncillo.
New faces: RB Jacob Harty; SB Tom Shaw.
Outlook: One of the top defences in the country brings back Miskin (five interceptions in 2008), defensive back Alex Saretsky and all-star lineman Cody Gross. The Colts passed more than any other PFC team in 2008 and Calgary still has experience at the pivot with Kieran Falk and University of Calgary Dinos transfer Clayton Masikewich.
EDMONTON WILDCATS
2008: 4-3-1; lost PFC semifinal to Calgary.
Key returnees: WR Mike Wojicki; LB Matt Lalande
Big losses: WR Kevin Wuthrich; K Ryan Elaschuk.
New faces: WR Jerit Lambert; RB Shiane Runcie.
Outlook: With seven starters set to return on defence, Wildcats head coach Gary Durchik is looking to move back to the top of the food chain. Though all-star lineman Jesse Schryver has joined the Manitoba Bisons, the Wildcats have others to carry the load. Justin McEvoy and Liam Dow will share ball-carrying duties to help quarterback Andy Pilon, who completed just 47 per cent of his passes in 2008.
WINNIPEG RIFLES
2008: 2-5-1; lost PFC semifinal to Saskatoon.
Key returnees: S Matt Arnold; LB Eric Vincent.
Big losses: QB Khaleal Williams; RB Harpreet Turka.
New faces: QB Tyler Nickel; RB Kienan LaFrance.
Outlook: Rookies Nickel and LaFrance have big tasks ahead of them trying to take the place of two of the most dynamic players in the PFC in 2008. Williams led all passers with 2,276 yards on the season and Turka rushed for 1,008 yards. Going with the young guns is made easier since the Rifles return four of five starting offensive linemen. The defence will have to be strong until Nickel and LaFrance get their feet under them.
REGINA THUNDER
2008: 2-5-1; missed playoffs.
Key returnees: QB Reid Quest; DL Steven Arens (mid-season).
Big losses: OL Dan Clark; S Harley Irwin.
New faces: WR Kolten Solomon; DL Zach Evans.
Outlook: Regina lost three starters from its offensive and defensive lines. While Arens is to return on September, the first few weeks could be a challenge. Offensively, third-year quarterback Reid Quest is expected to take the reins again and Solomon (a former Regina Ram and Vancouver Island Raider) should make up for the loss of Rory Kohlert who rejoined the Saskatchewan Huskies.
Big losses: "There aren't any we can't replace. We needed to upgrade," said Smarsh.
New faces: WR Anthony Barrett; RB Brett Fabian.
Outlook: There's plenty of good news for the Huskies in 2009. Things can't get worse than last season when they averaged 8.5 points per game and Smarsh actually had time to recruit this year. Johnson led the league in tackles in 2008 and will anchor the defence again. The Huskies will decide between two rookie quarterbacks -- Kevin Allan and Drew Jacobson.
