“It is a tough question as to whether we will be 5-3 this season when you consider the solid players we lost due to graduation,” Avon View assistant coach Gord Chase said.
The team will be welcoming a number of rookies this year. Chase noted that three of the team’s rookies have played minor football in the Valley before moving to Windsor.
“We are anxious to see what they will have to offer,” said Chase.
Leading the offence this season again will be quarterback and kicker Devin Bryan. Bryan believes the Avalanche’s defense will not be as strong as 2016 based on the graduated players. However, he’s anticipating a strong running game from fullback Joe MacDonald and Sammy Whidden.
The Avalanche suffered their first injury Sept. 4 at the high school football jamboree in Windsor. The injury came to Avalanche wide receiver Dylan McKinney, who is new to the team this season. He suffered a fractured leg on a play and will be gone for the rest of the season.
“This is one example of where plans can be put in place and then injuries leave you running to fill pivotal positions,” said Chase.
The Avalanche will play four home games in 2017. Their first two home games will be Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. against Millwood High from Sackville, and Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. against the J.H. Gillis Royals from Antigonish. They will then hit to road before returning for a pair of home games on Oct. 15 and Oct. 22.
