By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)
Feature photo: Evan Nachtigal will take the reigns at quarterback from record-breaking pivot Dayton Black in 2018. Photo by hudl.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 Neelin Spartans.
Team: Neelin Spartans
Head Coach: Robert Cullen, 19th season
Conference/Division: Bramwell Conference, Division 2
2017 Regular Season Record: 4-3
2017 Playoff Record: 0-1 (Lost to Kelvin in AA quarterfinals)
The Division 2 Bramwell Conference features a number of teams who are hungry to prove that they can take the next step as a program. One of those teams are the Neelin Spartans, who are led by long-time coach Robert Cullen.
Offence: The Spartans have a few massive voids to fill in their offence, with game-changing pivot Dayton Black now playing for the Saskatchewan Huskies and receiver John Saville gone to graduation. Despite this, head coach Robert Cullen still expects his team to be strong in the passing game.
Looking to step up is senior Evan Nachtigall — one of three returning players offensively — who will take over starting duties under centre. He’s been the backup quarterback behind Black for the past three years and will finally get his shot at being the guy in 2018. Nachtigall displayed his versatility last season, recording 29 receptions for 501 yards and five touchdowns as a receiver while also throwing for 240 yards and a score.
Other players that are expected to step up are senior receiver Cauy Farthing and junior athlete Levi Kanski, who is also a stellar basketball and volleyball player.
Defence: The Spartans will be a “quick and physical” team defensively, according to Cullen.
Nachtigall and Farthing will each play both ways and will be relied upon to make game-changing plays in the secondary. Farthing finished 2017 with 39.5 tackles and a sack, while Nachtigall had two interceptions and five knockdowns. Another defensive back to keep an eye out for is Gavin Hall, who had eight tackles, an interception and a forced fumble last season.
Short and long-term goals: Cullen’s goals for his team this year are simple and to the point. Be competitive and ideally make an impact in the playoffs.