Ryan Desbiens says the Barons are looking for redemption this season.
The Algonquin Barons head coach says his squad has a chip on its shoulder after losing in the NDA senior football final 26-23 to the St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Bears who finished with an unbeaten 5-0 record last year.
That Bears victory ended a run of back-to-back NDA senior football titles for Desbiens and the Barons.
See related: Bears edge Barons in NDA Sr. Football final
His Barons squad will get a chance to today to get some revenge as the Barons and Bears clash in the NDA senior football opener tonight at Mike O'Shea Field at the Steve Omsichl Sports Complex. Kick off is at 7 p.m.
"The loss has been in the back of our minds since November 3rd 2023," noted Desbiens.
"We started an off-season lifting program this past February with 40 kids signed up, our yearly accredited summer program had the highest enrolment since it’s inceptions – 55 players – so expectations are high, particularly at senior."
Desbiens is encouraged by the amount of interest his program is getting.
"Our senior team is sitting at 41 dressed, which the highest number of seniors we’ve had since 2017-2018," said Desbiens.
"The past few seasons were between 30 and 35 and we lacked depth. One or two injuries during a game had a devastating effect. This year, we have depth at almost every position. It will be a nice luxury to have."
Desbiens notes the 2024 squad has multiple NDA all-stars returning.
Slotback and our 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Ryan Smetana (RB / SB) will lead the charge along with Connor Filiatrault (QB / RB/ WR) and running back Jacob Dubois," noted Desbiens.
"Grade 12 SB Matt Bérubé along with Grade 11 rookies, Dayne Meyer (QB) and WRs Owen Shillington and Luke Braceland round out the unit."
Desbiens says his offensive line returns four of his five starters.
"NDA All Stars Wyatt Grant and Paul Kinuthia, as well as Alex Adams, Julien Dubé with new seniors Otto Selk, Nolan Monette and Nate Collins will be providing great depth," he said.
On the defensive side of the ball Desbiens feels the defensive line will be a strength with Grant, Sam Pannell, Jacob McGill (2023 All-Star) and Brady Wood.
Debiens expects veteran linebacker Mathieu Séguin and FS Max Dufresne will anchor the D.
"Rookies Mathieu Desbiens (HB), Wes Strength-Dupuis (LB), Sam Comeau (SB), Jack Ogletree (CB) and Liam Cosgrove (CB) round out the unit," he continued.
