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Off-Season Forecast: Westshore Rebels

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters), 07/17/19, 11:00PM PDT

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The new look Rebels are ready for 2019

Photo courtesy of Erich Eichhorn

The Westshore Rebels missed the CJFL post season last year after uncertainty in the head coaching position.  Charly Cardilicchia stepped down following Week 3 and the Rebels never seemed to find their grove and lost four straight to end the season.

This year they have retooled and will no doubt be in contention at the end of the season.  They are fully aware that the Canadian Bowl will be hosted in BC this season much like when the Rebels hosted it in 2016, the last time it was in BC.

What’s Changing?

The biggest change for the Rebels this season is their coaching staff.  Shane Beatty was named the fulltime head coach after taking over for Cardilicchia last year.  He adds former VI Raiders head coach Doug Hocking to the coaching staff as well as former Okanagan Sun linebacker Jeff Mock and Todd Wiseman

Key Grad:

Kaine Stevenson was a very well rounded and dangerous player last season.  He hauled in 35 passes for 458 yards and scored a major.  He also returned punts and kick-offs for the Rebels and was key member of their Special Teams.

What They Need:

The Rebels are fortunate to have a number of key players in each position.  They would love to see a bit more depth on the defensive line.

Counting On:

QB Colby Henkel is a former CJFL Rookie of the Year with the Kamloops Broncos.  Last season he helped quarterback the University of Windsor Lancers.  His last CJFL season was in 2017 when he completed 57% of his passes with the Broncos for 1,927 yards and nine touchdowns.

WR Brycen Mayoh was the CJFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player in 2017 after making a CJFL high 44 receptions for 805 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.  He also ran back kicks as a member of the VI Raiders.  He returned 39 punts for 561 yards and had a touchdown while returning 20 kick-offs for 576 yards.  He returned three missed field goals in 2017 as well including a 128 yard touchdown.

LB Jesse Zajaros is a former Kamloops Bronco.  He spent last year as a member of the McMaster University Marauders but saw limited action.  In 2017 as a Bronco he tallied 36 tackles, had a sack, a knockdown and forced a fumble.

The new look Rebels will open the season on August 3rd when they visit the Valley Huskers.