After a disappointing 2016 season, the Central Cyclones are hoping that stout defence and up-and-coming offence can help lead them back to the top in 2017.

The Moose Jaw High School Football League kicks off the 2017 season this Saturday with the Cyclones squaring off with the Peacock Tornadoes as part of a doubleheader at Gutheridge Field.

“I’m really excited, we’ve got a good team, it should be a fun year,” said Quarterback Ethan Johnson.

The Cyclones went 2-4 during the 2016 season, ending their year with a 21-7 loss to the Vanier Vikings in the quarterfinals.

That loss and how last season went has stuck with many of the Cyclones over the offseason is being used as fuel heading into this season.

“It’s been a long offseason and the kids worked really hard to get to this point,” said Head Coach Colin Belsher. “We have a lot of guys that put in a lot of work over the summer as veterans and a lot of new faces that have stepped up and fit right in.

“These guys realize that we played a little under what we were capable of last season, that being said the league was very strong last year and we expect it to be strong again this year, and we hope we’re one of those teams that other teams are concern about playing.”

In a flip from last season, much of Central’s experience this year falls on their defence, while their offence is slotting in new faces after losing some key players like slotback Jonah Branning, quarterback Ryan Reidy and receiver Joel Litt-Jukes.

Belsher said he’s excited about what their defence can do this year with a number of seniors leading the way.

“We have our whole linebacking core returning, which is the strength of the defence, they’re very athletic, big and strong, and we have some good size on the defensive line this year, which we haven’t had in the past, and we have a lot of athleticism in the defensive backfield, so as long as they can follow the gameplan and play to their ability, we’ll be okay,” said Belsher.

Brant Schwengler is one of those returning linebackers that’s expected to lead the Cyclones’ defence. He said he’s excited about what’s in front of them.

“We have a lot of chemistry, we all know what we’re doing every play and can feed off each other,” he said. “We have a little bit of everything and are prepared for whatever gets thrown at us.”

Johnson, a grade 11, will be taking over the reigns as starting quarterback this year and he said he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“We’ve got lots of good playmakers and a good offensive line, so if I execute, we can have a good year,” he said.

Dawson Pearce, who was the Cyclones’ starting running back last season, is back again this year and will be leaned on this season.

The Cyclones open their 2017 season with a showdown against the rival Tornadoes. Johnson said they’re ready to go toe-to-toe with the five-time defending league champions.

“They’re a really good football, so we’re going to have to have no mistakes, play our best game we’ve ever played and just play hard,” said Johnson.

Central and Peacock kick-off at 3:15 p.m. Saturday. The first half of the doubleheader will have the Vanier Vikings take on the Estevan Elecs at 1 p.m.

The other opening week game will have the Swift Current Colts travelling to Weyburn to face-off with the Eagles at 1 p.m.

HS Football Preview:
- Vanier Vikings