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Windsor Lancers football coach Mike Morencie was faced with a tough decision when he cut many players from last year’s squad.
But in order to give the new young crop of athletes in the system a chance to prove themselves on the Lancers this season, he had no choice.
More than 95 players took to the field at the University of Windsor Stadium last week, vying for a roster spot on the 2008 Lancers squad. Morencie planned to narrow that down to 90 by the weekend, in preparation for the team’s season opener Sept. 1 against the York Lions in Toronto.
Through the off-season, Morencie focused on bringing local talent including St. Anne grad Jordan Brescacin (wide receiver), Sandwich grads Sam Malian (quarterback) and Brad Adams (linebacker).
“I think we’ve kept the significant kids in the city,” Morencie said of his local recruits. “We got the kids we wanted locally, and not many got out of town.”
Among the recruits turning heads at the Lancers camp is quarterback Malian. The six-foot-one, 195-pounder is one of seven players competing for the top QB position. “Malian is a bright kid, with a lot of athletic ability,” Morencie said. “He’s a cool customer and I think he’s going to be a great quarterback really soon.”
Coaches have also been keeping a close watch on Brescacin — a multi-sport phenom who is expected to add depth to the receiver position, Morencie says.
“Jordan hasn’t been the biggest surprise, he’s been the biggest standout,” Morencie added. “We knew he was good. We’ve liked his game the day he stepped out on the field. As far as the young guys go, I think he’s ahead of everyone else in terms of what we’re doing here.
“We’ve got some really good young talent in this camp and we’re having a difficult time making decisions, but that’s a good thing.”
After finishing the 2006 season with a 6-2 record – third best in the OUA — the Lancers struggled significantly last year, ending the season at 2-6.
“We’re much better than last year there’s no doubt,” Morencie said. “Our talent level is better. We might have some growing pains because we’re breaking in a brand new quarterback, but if we get the running game going, that should take some pressure off.”