Lancers look to end three-year playoff drought
By Chris Kerr
Sports Editor
August 26, 2009
 After a bitter 2008 season, winning only three of their eight games, the Windsor Lancers football team looks to end a three-year playoff drought with the official opening of their 2009 training camp.
Head Coach Mike Morencie is pleased to be returning 17 of his starters from last year.
The returning offensive squad consists of an optimistic set of powerful speedy players.
"The strength of our offense going into camp appears to be our offensive line with over a hundred total career starts amongst the five starters,” said Morencie.
LaSalle native Quarterback, Sam Malian, will be back on the turf after an impressive rookie season with the Lancers.
Malian won-over Morencie with his performance last season, and will return to his starting position.
“Great things are expected of him," said Morencie.
While plans to replace former star running back Daryl Stephenson seem unimaginable, the Lancers have been working hard to develop an all-around team and improving their current roster.
Derek Hymers, who proved last season to be an outstanding special teams running back, is set to play a significant role in backfield.
Hymers will join third-year Lancer Paul Lefaive, as well as Kamar Anglin who recently transferred to Windsor from Saginaw Valley State University.
With these players, the backfield should have no problems performing their duties.
On defensive front, the Lancers are returning most of their principle players from last season who appear to have improved their game over the off-season.
Coming back from the Calgary Stampeders training camp is Chad Cossette, joining the defensive line with fellow monsters Seamus Postuma at 280 pound and Dusan Maodus at 300 pounds.
Morencie believes this year’s defence will be comprised of veteran players, although the secondary unit has much improved.
“(In the 2008 season) a number of freshmen played and gained valuable experience and that short term pain should turn into long term gain,” said Morencie.
The linebacker squad appears to be finally healthy going into this season, having been bruised in previous years.
Front-runners Chris Arquette, John Celestino, Travis Sartori and Damir Todic will be challenged by Matt Chick, Devon Favot, Brad Adams and David Tiede.
The squad began their camp on Aug. 23, where all interested athletes were asked to attend an open try-out.
The season begins on Sept. 7 in Toronto as they will battle the York University Lions.
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