By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)
Feature photo: Former Lineman of the Year Isaiah Letander will be a major force for Kelvin in 2018. Photo by berecruited.com
Over the next month, manitobafootballfeed will be previewing each of the 31 varsity teams battling for supremacy in the Winnipeg High School Football League, which kicks off its regular season on Wednesday, Sept. 5. Below is a breakdown of the Kelvin Clippers.
Team: Kelvin Clippers
Head Coach: Jon Romu, 18th season
Conference/Division: Vidruk Conference, Division 2
2017 Regular Season Record: 7-0
2017 Playoff Record: 1-1 (Lost to Oak Park in AA semi-finals)
The Kelvin Clippers had their perfect season tarnished in 2017, after the Kas Vidruk division champs were defeated by the Oak Park Raiders, who dropped down from Division 1 for the playoffs. They’ll look for retribution this season as they stay in division 2 for upcoming year.
Offence: The Clippers return last year’s AA Rookie of the Year, in junior quarterback Daniel Moroz. The promising prospect threw for 1,238 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. He’ll be complemented by a few impact receivers in Brock Gates and Robin Brooks. The former had 322 yards on just 12 receptions a year ago, averaging a massive 26.8 yards per catch. The latter had one major last season and is also a threat as a kick returner.
Defence: The defence will be led by senior Isaiah Letander, who was the Lineman of the Year in AA last season after registering 31.5 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He’s already verbally committed to play for the Manitoba Bisons in 2019, and will look to finish his high school career off in style.
Complementing Letander will be fellow defensive lineman Dylan Hess as well as defensive back Adam Fast. Hess had 22 tackles last season, while Fast had 15 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Short and long-term goals: The goal for Kelvin this year is simple. Be competitive in the middle division and develop for the future.