By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)
Feature photo: Linebacker Nick Birch returns for his senior year, and will be the anchor on defence for West K. 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 West Kildonan Wolverines.
Team: West Kildonan Wolverines
Head Coach: Russell Wallace, third year
Conference/Division: Vidruk Conference, Division 2
2017 Regular Season Record: 4-3
2017 Playoff Record: 2-0 (Won the WHSFL Bowl)
The West Kildonan Wolverines are moving up in the world, after capturing the WHSFL Bowl last season. Head coach Russell Wallace returns seven starters on offence and eight on defence from the 2017 championship team, and will look to make a statement in division 2 this year.
Offence: The offence will be once again be led by quarterback Devon Machum, who threw for 521 yards and four touchdowns last season. He’ll be supported by receiver Ashton Rolland and running back/linebacker De’Von Young.
Defence: Much like on offence, the defence will be anchored by an impact player from last year’s championship team in senior linebacker Nick Birch. He led the team with 36 tackles and three sacks in 2017. Other players to keep an eye out for are defensive backs Justin Petrishen and Zach Shrupka. The duo combined for 34.5 tackles five interceptions and a sack a year ago.
Short and long-term goals: Wallace expects his team to be prepared and competitive in each game this year. The long-term goal is “to continue to compete in in division 2 for years to come.