2013 CIS Football Team Preview: StFX X-Men
2012 regular season record: 2-6
2012 regular season standings: 4th in AUS
2012 playoff record: N/A
2012 playoff finish: N/A
The start to the X-Men's 2012 season looked promising after a dominating 51-5 win at Mount Allison, followed by a forfeiture victory over Concordia, but the blue and white dropped their following six consecutive games to finish the season with a 2-6 record and out of AUS playoff contention. The 2013 StFX squad looks to turn around that record and challenge once again for a playoff berth.
The X-Men offence is led by a pair of veteran AUS all-star receivers in Jordan Catterall and Devon Bailey, while running back Ashton Dickson will be relied upon once again to anchor the ground attack. Experienced offensive lineman Terry Hart will provide necessary leadership on the front line.
Defensively, the X-Men will be anchored by a veteran core of linebackers, including 2012 AUS defensive player of the year and CIS All-Canadian Brett Hubbeard. An athletic and versatile group of defensive backs, led by two fourth-year X-Men Hugo Rajotte and Charlton Elliott, will look to capitalize on the opportunities created by the front end.
Quote from head coach Gary Waterman:
"Without a doubt this has been the most productive off-season in recent memory. I am very proud of the effort in training and commitment to the program that our returning players have made. We have spent most of our time this off-season focusing on the process of success and we expect to continue that theme throughout the season. I am also very excited about the incoming recruits. We have added depth and size on the line of scrimmage, along with a number of explosive playmakers at the skill positions. 2013 is shaping up to be a very exciting season for X-Men football."
Head Coach:
- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2013): 5
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2013): 5
- Career regular season record with team: 11-21
- Career regular season record in CIS: 11-21
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 12-23
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 12-23
OFFENCE
Number of returning starters: 11
Key returning players:
REC Jordan Catterall (Oakville, ON) was a 2013 East-West Bowl participant and is a two-time AUS all-star. The 2010 AUS rookie of the year led the team in receiving numbers this past season and was third overall in the conference averaging of 65 yards/game.
REC Devon Bailey (Mississauga, ON), also a 2013 East-West Bowl participant, was fourth in AUS receiving, averaging 55.2 yards/game, earning him a spot on the AUS offensive all-star team. The lanky 6'5" receiver has already appeared on early 2014 CFL draft prospect lists.
OL Terry Hart (Barrie, ON) is entering his fourth year with the X-Men and will be looked upon to anchor the blue and white offensive line. He participated in the 2013 East-West Bowl.
RB Ashton Dickson (Ottawa, ON) has lead the X-Men in rushing yards in each of the past two years, averaging 78.4 yards/game last season. He was second overall in the AUS in rushing TD's with six.
Key recruits or transfers:
OL Vernon Sainvil (Boston, MA) from Malden High, via Holland College
REC Keon Hughes (Mississauga, ON) from St. Francis Xavier, via CEGEP Champlain-Lennoxville
QB Dante Djan (Calgary, AB) from Henry Wisewood
Key losses:
REC Andrew Hickey (Fredericton, NB)
DEFENCE
Number of returning starters: 8
Key returning players:
LB Brett Hubbeard (Peterborough, ON), a two-time AUS all-star, was honored as the 2012 AUS defensive player of the year, leading the conference in total tackles (59.5) and tackles per game (7.4). His efforts earned him distinction as a CIS 2nd team All-Canadian.
LB Ron Omara (Alymer, QC) looks to return to form this season after battling an injury in 2012 and playing in only four games for the X-Men. He posted 40 tackles in his 2011 freshman campaign.
DB Charlton Elliott (Pickering, ON) enters into his fourth season with the X-Men and provides veteran leadership in the secondary. Versatile and consistent, he earned a trip to the 2013 East/West Bowl.
DB Hayden Peters (Inverary, ON) contributed a solid first season with the X-Men, picking up team rookie of the year honors as he posted 29 total tackles.
Key recruits or transfers:
DE Kaetochukwu Okafor (Enugu, Nigeria) via Holland College
LB Aaron Brownlee (Kingston, ON) – from Holy Cross, also played with Kingston Grenadiers
DB Mark Thomas (Mississauga, ON) – from St. Francis Xavier
Key losses:
DL Nate Annan (St. Thomas, ON)
LB Ryan Olsen (Manchester, NH)
DB Dylan Hollohan (Moncton, NB)
DB Dominique Comtois (Drummondville, QC)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Key returning players:
K Jeremy Ford (Halifax, NS) is entering his third season with the X-Men. He was second in the AUS conference in kicking percentage (71%) and field goals made (10).
P Hayden Peters (Inverary, ON) turned in a solid freshman performance punting for the blue and white in 2012. With 60 punts and 2053 total yards, he averaged 34.2 yards/punt.
Key recruits or transfers:
None
Key losses:
LS Ryan Olsen (Manchester, NH)