Source: Krista McKenna, StFX Sports Info
2013 regular season record: 3-5
2013 regular season standings: 4th in
AUS
2013 playoff record: N/A
2013 playoff finish: N/A
The X-Men began their 2013 campaign with a week one victory over Mount Allison, followed up in week two with a convincing road win over Concordia as they became the only AUS team to secure an interlock victory. Despite the 2-0 start to the season, the remainder of the AUS schedule was not as friendly for StFX as they went on to finish 3-5 in a close AUS conference, losing their last game of the season in a low scoring, nail biter to Saint Mary’s. Despite finishing tied with Acadia in the AUS standings and being one play away from capturing the AUS regular season title, the fourth place X-Men were part of the evidence that the 2013 AUS football season was one of the most competitive and exciting seasons we have seen in a while.
In 2014 the X-Men offence will feature East West Bowl participant Ashton Dickson at running back and will also return veteran AUS all-star receiver Jordan Catterall. With the quarterback position still up for grabs, the white and blue will look for improved play from a young offensive line as well as senior receiver Randy Roseway and 2013 team rookie of the year Keon Hughes. The offence was quick to pick up on the new scheme in spring training and it will be interesting to see how things develop on this side of the ball come September.
Defensively, the X-Men will be led by veteran linebacker Ron Omara, the AUS defensive player of the year, CIS All-Canadian and 2014 East West Bowl participant. It will be important for the X-Men to find production from their senior defensive linemen Jesse Stevens and Jainyme DaSilveira. Kay Okafor, a young defensive end, emerged in spring training as a player capable of contributing on the line of scrimmage. This type of depth will be crucial for StFX to compete at a high level this fall.
Quote from head coach Gary Waterman:
“Despite just missing out on the playoffs last year we feel that the team made tremendous strides. We were the only AUS team to secure an interlock victory and were able to defeat the eventual AUS champion Mounties two out of the three times we played them.”
“With 18 of 22 starters returning, and the successful addition of quality depth, we feel that the 2014 X-Men are a team on the rise. Defensively we have stability with the return of defensive coordinator Bob Mullen, and offensively we have added one of the brightest young football minds in Canada in new offensive coordinator Steve Snyder. The 2014 AUS football season promises to be an exciting one and the X-Men are looking forward to the challenge.”
Head Coach:
- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2014):
6
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2014): 6
- Career regular season record with team: 14-26
- Career regular season record in CIS: 14-26
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs
only): 15-28
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only):
15-28
OFFENCE
Number of returning starters: 9
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 was second on the team in receiving numbers this past season and was third overall in the conference averaging of 62.2 yards/game.
REC Randy Roseway (Ottawa, ON), was a 2014 East-West Bowl participant and was eighth in conference receiving with 24 receptions. Randy is coming off a strong spring game and is looking to be a key contributor in a new offence.
RB Ashton Dickson (Ottawa, ON) was a 2014 East West Bowl participant and has led the X-Men in rushing yards in each of the past three seasons. Accumulating 511 yards rushing last season, he was second overall in AUS total rushes with 137.
REC Donald Tabor (Dartmouth, NS) is a versatile player who is coming of age and poised for a solid year. Tabor had 18 receptions for 124 yards in 2013 and is coming off a strong spring training performance.
Key recruits or transfers:
RB Dejon Lynch (Nanaimo, BC), Sumner high school, Washington.
REC Jesse Alves (Barrie, ON), Joan of Arc
OL Pete Alexander (Saint John, NB), Saint John High
Key losses:
REC Devon Bailey (Mississauga, ON)
OL Terry Hart (Barrie, ON)
FB Keegan Vosman (Antigonish, NS)
DEFENCE
Number of returning starters: 9
Key returning players:
LB Ron Omara (Alymer, QC) is coming off an impressive performance at the 2014 East West Bowl. Ron will be the undisputed leader of a defense that returns 9 starters. Omara finished the 2013 season as an AUS all-star as well as being recognized as the AUS defensive player of the year and a CIS second team All-Canadian.
Charlton Elliot (Pickering, ON) enters into his fifth season with the X-Men and provides veteran leadership in the secondary.
DB Demetrius Ferguson (Bahamas) returns as a key piece to a secondary that will be relied upon heavily this season. Demetrius is coming off a 20.5 tackle season while recording 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
DB Hayden Peters (Inverary, ON) has been dynamic for the X-Men in his first two seasons. The former X-Men rookie of the year recorded 40 tackles in 2013.
Key recruits or transfers:
DE Kyle Forde (Ajax, ON), IMG Academy
DL Tyler Cordeiro (Oakville, ON), Holy Trinity
DL Sam Gan (London, ON), Central
Key losses:
LB Brett Hubbeard (Peterborough, ON)
DE Samni Adereti (Brampton, ON)
DB Hugo Rajotti (Markham, ON)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Key returning players:
P Hayden Peters (Inverary, ON) turned in another solid performance punting for the X-Men in 2013. With 76 punts and an average of 37.1 yards/punt, he led the conference. Hayden was recognized as an AUS all-star for his work on special teams.
Key recruits or transfers:
K/P Keiran Burnham (Cambridge, ON)