By DANNY RODE
Advocate staff
The way they opened the Central Alberta High School Football League regular season you’d never know the Notre Dame Cougars are one of the youngest teams in the league.
“We’re still very young with only about five or six Grade 12s (starting),” said Cougars head coach Gino Castellan, whose squad downed the Wetaskiwin Sabres 46-7 in their opener on the road.
“The thing is the majority of the kids in Grade 11 played last year, so they have that experience, which helps a lot.”
One such player is starting quarterback Kieran Pruden, who started as backup last year, but was starting by the mid-point of the season.
“That helped him coming in this year,” said Castellan. “He gained a lot of experience and the fact he’s a year older and physically bigger means a lot as well.”
Pruden grew up playing quarterback and so there has been no transition to taking snaps for the Cougars.
“He’s a true quarterback having played the position coming up through minor football,” he said. “Most of our other quarterbacks over the years were good athletes we converted.”
The Cougars do have some experience in the offensive backfield in senior Dario Viveros.
“He’s very talented and someone we can use at tailback or fullback,” said Castellan. “He’s someone we need to keep on the field.”
Myles Corsiatto, who looked good against the Sabres, will also start in the backfield with Jordan Briault returning as a wide out.
The Cougars have close to 50 players on their roster with some excellent Grade 10 talent starting.
Luc Laplante is at middle linebacker with Luke Castellan at outside ‘backer and Joe McQuay at centre.
“The fact these kids can step right in shows their level of talent which will only help us down the road,” said Castellan. “The kids have all played a lot of football and attended camps, so they have a sense of the game.”
Logan Smith is the other outside linebacker while Dustin Schafer returns as a safety and slotback and will also work as backup quarterback.
Grade 12 guard Sam Simonsen will anchor the offensive line while Grade 12 Frank Torres, Ivan Allier and Mark Antonio on the defensive line.
The Cougars are coming off a down season, which saw them finish at 1-7.
“I can say one thing we’re not going to be 1-7 again,” said Castellan. “It happens, but that was the first time in 14 years.”
The Cougars return to action today as part of a doubleheader at Great Chief Park. They host the Camrose Trojans at 4:30 p.m. while Hunting Hills meets Lacombe at 7:30 p.m.
Adam Donovan, Gary LaGrange, Dave Laplante, Al McQuay, Ole Stearns, Ian Watson and Dale Henderson are assistant coaches.
drode@www.reddeeradvocate.com