NOTE ON CAPTAINS: I have decided to increase the number of overall captains to 5, with 2 more alternate captains per team
* = new to the position, coach, starting QB, or captain
1 - Providence Gold Stars
1972 Record: 11-2-1 (1st East, 1st Seed)
1972 Result: Won McCallister Cup
Head Coach: Tommie Warner (4th Season)
Starting QB: Red King
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: Blitz Heavy
Biggest Acquisition: WR Colby Bancana
Rookie to Watch: S Todd Collingwood
The drought finally ended in Providence with the team’s first McCallister Cup win since 1941 and their first in the NAAF era. Due to the success and talented roster, GM Timothy Marsh had some difficult decisions this offseason as longtime veterans, WR Owen Paisley and S Paul Christopher were out, leaving room for younger talent. A big payday also came for QB Red King who has solidified himself as the franchise QB. As the newly named captain, King will lead the Gold Stars’ offence this season and should be plenty productive with the rising stars in WR Justin Palmer and TE Kairos Knight. RB Tresean Jones will also serve as the full-time RB1 with RB Ronnie Byers becoming a victim of the salary cap and being shipped to Indiana. Additionally, the O-line will be looking to protect their QB better this season after King has missed important games in each of the last two seasons. Defensively, the Gold Stars should still boast one of the best defences in the league behind their many superstars like LB Kurt Warlock, DL Bartolo Cruz, and DB Neville Falkner. Despite losing some pieces, the Gold Stars are still set to be one of the top contenders this season.
Captains:
C - QB Red King*
A - DL Bartolo Cruz*
A - DB Neville Falkner*
A - WR Justin Palmer*
A - S Tom Parrish
2 - Vancouver Wolves
1972 Record: 9-5 (2nd West; )
1972 Result: Lost McCallister Cup
Head Coach: Johnnie Dawson (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Kevin Westwood
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DL Derick Parks
Rookie to Watch: RB Chavez Arrington
The Wolves have now come 1 win away from the McCallister Cup twice in 3 seasons. Despite not being as strong as the Serpents have been during the regular season, the Wolves have proven that they are a force when it counts. The team hasn’t changed a whole lot this season. QB Kevin Westwood will still lead the offence that continues to see the growth of younger stars like WR Akira Sakamoto, WR Tristian Lewis, and now rookie RB Chavez Arrington, to pair up with the established stars in WR Keshawn Johnston and RB Jeremiah Morrow. Defensively, the Wolves did bring in a solid new piece in breakout DL Derick Parks, who is set to play a major role on a solid D-line. Several younger players will also be hoping to break free this season in LB Lochlan Bourne and DB Apollo Duckworth, as well as the rise of the all-Japanese safety duo of Takuya Sasaki and Gunpai Koizumi. Vancouver has elected to trust their development to hopefully make the push to get over the top this season. If the team can stay healthy, they will undoubtedly be a threat.
Captains:
C - QB Kevin Westwood
A - DB Christian Allen*
A - WR Keshawn Johnston
A - OL Kenny Rudolph*
A - S Takuya Sasaki*
3 - Boston Independents
1972 Record: 9-4-1 (2nd East)
1972 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Kenneth Chaney (5th Season)
Starting QB: Nathaniel Braddock
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DB Aiden Sargent
Rookie to Watch: WR Alex Acquafredda
The Independents were one of the hottest teams down the stretch last season, finishing the regular season on a 7-0-1 run. They were met with heartbreak in the playoffs, falling in OT to the Wolves in round 1. The team enters the 1973 season hoping to keep up the momentum from the end of last season. QB Nathaniel Braddock is still searching for the elusive 2nd Cup and will have a very familiar offence this season with only OL Taylor Alexander being a new starter this season. Defensively, the team did add some helpful pieces in a new #1 corner in DB Aiden Sargent from Pittsburgh, as well as more depth at LB with Benjamin Page arriving from Indiana. The defensive HC in Chaney hopes the defence can build off of a solid year last year to help the team back-to-back playoff appearances since 1965.
Captains:
C - QB Nathaniel Braddock
A - DL Wayne Baxton
A - S Ernie Osborne
A - LB Mads Strahlman*
A - OL Carlton Vanderbilt*
4 - Minnesota Serpents
1972 Record: 11-3 (1st West)
1972 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Soni Dionne (5th Season)
Starting QB: Martin Keller
Offensive Scheme: Run Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 3-3-5
Biggest Acquisition: S Paul Christopher
Rookie to Watch: RB Murdoch Washington
The Serpents are coming off of their 3rd consecutive West Division title, still holding an unbelievable 39-13 record in the team’s first 4 seasons. However, the team’s playoff success has not been there, going 1-4 so far. There is going to be a lot of pressure on the team to get further this season. Offensively, they are much the same, built around a stellar backfield with 1971 OPOY RB Tyler Kuhn and the incoming reliable RB George Seahorse. QB Martin Keller should still be a reliable game-manager, but I expect fans may be itching to see more out of the 28-year-old this season in hopes of getting further in the postseason. Defensively, the team remains really strong. The addition of S Paul Christopher to the already solid secondary should continue to make Minnesota the toughest team to throw against. A healthy LB Garrett Roberts and up-and-coming stars in LBs Earl Featherstonhaugh and Morgan King should provide solid run defence as well.
Captains:
C - OL Elias McCarren
A - QB Martin Keller
A - RB Tyler Kuhn*
A - S Gérard LaCroix*
A - DL Albert Sullivan
5 - Pittsburgh Blacksmiths
1972 Record: 9-5 (2nd Central)
1972 Result: Lost Semi-Finals
Head Coach: Ted McMahon (9th Season)
Starting QB: Louis Vaughn
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DB Felix Roy
Rookie to Watch: WR John Jackson
After a rough 1-4 start last season, the Blacksmiths were able to bounce back and go on an 8-1 run down the stretch to make the playoffs. Then, they were able to get to the second round after beating the Division rival Louisville Thunder. The Semi-Final appearance marks their 3rd final four appearance in 4 seasons, which certainly leaves the fans wondering if they are ever going to be able to break through to the McCallister Cup. Offensively, the team still has their dynamic duo of 2x MOPs in QB Louis Vaughn and RB Max Tracy leading the way behind one of the best O-lines in the league. The hope will be to get some more production outside of WR Taylor Austin in the passing game with WR Yahui Sun returning and WR Justin Anger getting the promotion to WR 3. On defence, the Blacksmiths continue to have a scary D-line with DL Jeff Lamonte remaining next to superstars in Mathias Hartmann and Arthur Bradshaw. While the departure of DB Aiden Sargent stings, DB Felix Roy is brought in to bring his starting experience to the #2 corner role.
Captains:
C - QB Louis Vaughn
A - DL Arthur Bradshaw*
A - LB Quinn Masters
A - OL Erik Nelson
A - RB Max Tracy*
6 - Ottawa Royals
1972 Record: 9-5 (3rd East)
1972 Result: Lost Semi-Finals
Head Coach: Jean Matieau (6th Season)
Starting QB: Drake Young
Offensive Scheme: Pass Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: RB Nikki Yang
Rookie to Watch: WR Tyler Jackson
The Royals put together their second consecutive 9-5 season last year, being one of the teams to keep up with Providence until near the end of the year. They would get to the Semis but have still failed to return to the Cup since their last run in 1969. Heading into the 1973 season, the offence might start to look a bit different. RB Corbyn Knight is now 33, so the team could shift some snaps over to new signing, RB Nikki Yang, this season. WR Sterling Underhill, who was brought in via trade last year, is now the team’s long-term #1 WR who will be flanked by younger players in Charles Toothacre and Simon Riley. Luckily, the team still does have the consistent QB Drake Young to lead the way along with HC Jean Matieau. Defensively, the Royals do remain tough. Familiar faces like DL Bernhard Hartmann, 1972 DPOY, DB Sergio Alvarez, and S Marc Bellecourt will lead the charge as one of the best sets of core defenders in the league. However, the team will hope that the LB group can stay healthier than they have been and that some younger players can make a bigger impact this season like 1972 1st Round Pick, DL Robin Lucas.
Captains:
C - DL Bernhard Hartmann
A - S Marc Bellecourt*
A - OL Matt Helmut*
A - LB Sam Wheeler
A - QB Drake Young
7 - Louisville Thunder
1972 Record: 10-4 (1st Central)
1972 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Lou Granger (4th Season)
Starting QB: Buck Murphy
Offensive Scheme: Pass Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: QB Xerxes Wynn
Rookie to Watch: WR Ray Howard
The Thunder captured their first Division title last season with a strong 10-4 season, however, the team would not survive a first-round bout with Pittsburgh, ending their campaign to defend the Cup. Due to the cap crunch, the Thunder were unable to make a lot of changes this offseason. The offence remains untouched in regards to starters as QB Buck Murphy and WRs Casey Coleman, Ben Graham, and Orlando Barrack are set to rule the skies. Defensively, the team does see a slight change with LB Daniel Timothy heading to Calgary, setting up Elias Ragsdale to take his place next to a hopefully more healthy Ricky Wildgoose. DL Aaron Henderson, DB Aquilio Ruiz, and S Tom MacDougall are all returning as key factors defensively as well. Overall, Louisville is set up to have a very explosive offence with a solid defence to back it up, meaning they should still be in the running in the Central this season.
Captains:
C - WR Casey Coleman
A - S Tom McDougall
A - QB Buck Murphy*
A - TE Rex Williamson*
A - LB Le’Darius Wynn
8 - Montreal Rouge
1972 Record: 6-8 (5th East)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Malachi Knowles (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Tom Applewhite*
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: Zone Defence
Biggest Acquisition: QB Tom Applewhite
Rookie to Watch: WR Evan Moore
After the miraculous 12-2 season in 1971, the Rouge crashed down to Earth hard with a disappointing 6-8 record to follow it up. The seat will be hot for HC Malachi Knowles who had a similar trajectory in his first job in Louisville (starting strong before collapsing in the next two seasons). QB Gene Bishop was at the centre of the disappointing offence after he earned a new 2-year deal the season before. Thus, Montreal finally decided to pull the trigger on replacing the 37-year-old. QB Tom Applewhite is in as the new starter, coming over from Indiana. Applewhite had some solid seasons in Indiana, which included a McCallister Cup appearance in 1968. The gun-slinging QB should fit in with a Montreal offence that has several solid weapons, including the young duo of WR Antonio Villanueva and RB Bo Frazier, as well as veteran WR Taylor Karis. Applewhite also has previous experience working with Knowles when he was the OC in Indiana. Montreal is hoping the offence can hold while the defence can be their centrepiece, led by one of the strongest secondaries in the league behind DB Lamar Brown and S Mathieu Cazenave. Additions of LB Grover Smith and DL Bjorn Sigmarsson to the front 7 should also provide a boost to the already solid group including DL Alan Franjkovic and LB Jean-Christophe Bain. The Rouge still have a lot to prove and some chemistry to build, but you can’t deny they have the talent to be successful.
Captains:
C - OL Mathieu Roy
A - LB Jean-Christophe Bain*
A - DB Lamar Brown
A - RB Bo Frazier*
A - WR Taylor Karis
9 - Buffalo Blue Wings
1972 Record: 8-6 (3rd Central)
1972 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Maurice Evanson (10th Season)
Starting QB: Charles Lemieux
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: WR Owen Paisley
Rookie to Watch: DB Lawrence Martell
In both of the past two seasons, the Blue Wings have snuck into the Playoffs as the 8th seed in the final week of the season, despite battling many injuries throughout both seasons. This offseason, the Blue Wings addressed their lack of depth and might have a team that could make a return to the top tier in the league. 2x MOP, QB Charles Lemieux, still leads the way on offence alongside RB Jasper Dickerson, who will aim to stay healthy after a few injuries in the past couple of seasons. The WR group added some new blood in veteran WR Owen Paisley, who solidifies an already solid group next to WR Tracy Driscoll and WR Jimmy Jack. The defence does see some changes. Reinforcements on the D-line behind former Rouge teammates, Sebastian Hamilton and Ross Jackson help out DL Ned Hedman. The younger Eric Strohecker and Willie Stetson are expected to get more responsibility behind the aging Randall Lambert at LB. Younger DBs in DB Lawrence Martell and S Levi Brickshaw will also look for more opportunities with several veterans departing. Buffalo has been in a bit of a transition, but they may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and could be a force in the Central once again if the team can stay healthy that is.
Captains:
C - QB Charles Lemieux
A - OL Garth Brooklyn*
A - DL Ned Hedman*
A - WR Jimmy Jack
A - LB Randall Lambert*
10 - Long Island Raiders
1972 Record: 8-6 (4th East)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Levi Bray (4th Season)
Starting QB: Ivan Sanchez
Offensive Scheme: Pass Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: WR Nick Spalding
Rookie to Watch: DL George Vangruensven
The Raiders earned the 1-hit-wonder label after they managed to miss the playoffs in each of the past two seasons following their seemingly out-of-nowhere McCallister Cup win in 1970. While the team hasn’t been bad, they do need to be better in the competitive East Division to get back on track. The ultra-competitive Owner Wayne Tillman is watching over the team and may be putting HC Levi Bray on the hot seat going into an important season. Last season, QB Ivan Sanchez did manage to lead the league in passing touchdowns with 29, but also led the league in interceptions with 23. Entering his final season of his current contract, Sanchez is going to have the pressure on him to be better this season. Hopefully, he can keep up the scoring with WR Frank Drysdale taking on the WR1 role going forward along with free agent acquisition WR Nick Spalding. The defence, which has been the Raiders’ typical strength, has a blend of veterans and young players. DL Johnathan Ellison, LB William Washington II, and DB Rutherford Winters lead the younger core of DL Dallas Breaker, LBs Callum Owen and Tyrone Dye, and DB Levi Woodrow.
Captains:
C - LB William Washington II
A - DL Johnathan Ellison*
A - OL Alan Mitchell*
A - WR Larry Mossholder
A - DB Rutherford Winters
11 - London Tigers
1972 Record: 7-7 (4th Central)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Aengus Lynch (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Henry Johnsson
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: WR Julius Drake
Rookie to Watch: DB Oliver Benson
The Tigers finally flashed their potential last season with a 6-3 start, but crumbled down the stretch, missing the playoffs at 7-7. The young team is hoping to get their first playoff appearance since 1967 this season. Last year was the first for QB Henry Johnsson under centre. The young QB showed he could play, leading a much more productive offence. 1972 free agency acquisition, WR Lloyd Lane, showed he could be the #1 guy last season and will look to build off of a solid first year as a Tiger. If RB Jeremy Royal can keep up the consistency he showed last year, the Tigers could be an explosive offence. Defensively, the team should be sturdy behind defensive HC Aengus Lynch. The team’s starting defence has 0 players 30 or older, relying on a lot of young talent. LBs Reuben James and Everett Lynch lead the way down the middle with the young duo of DLs Mo Kahn and Matt Brown on the line. The secondary will also be younger with 1972 1st Round Pick, S Marcus Harris and 1973 1st Round Pick, DB Oliver Benson both arriving to be potential game changers. The Tigers are a young team, but that’s been said about them for a couple of seasons now, it is time to see if they can turn that youth into a great team.
Captains:
C - DL Mo Kahn
A - S Marcus Harris*
A - WR Lloyd Lane*
A - LB Everett Lynch
A - RB Jeremy Royal*
12 - Calgary Predators
1972 Record: 6-8 (3rd West)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Travis Hobson (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Emmitt Jackson
Offensive Scheme: Wild West
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: LB Daniel Timothy
Rookie to Watch: DL Michael Ellis
HC Travis Hobson with a fire lit under his seat last season, turned the Predators around, finally finding a balance in the chaotic Wild West offence to get the team to a respectable 6-8 finish. The pressure will still be on the team to maintain the success going into the ‘73 season. QB Emmitt Jackson has established himself as the perfect leader for the offence, with his dual-threat ability. The many rising weapons on the offence in RB Rocco Peaks and 1972 draftees WR Eric Norris and WR James Johnson should bring plenty of excitement this season. Not to mention the already solid RB John Drexel and WR Ted Jackson. Defensively, Calgary made some improvements, adding LB Daniel Timothy from Louisville to boost an already solid group alongside new captain Junior Abbott and the young Marcus McGhee. DL Michael Ellis will also be an interesting rookie to watch but don’t forget about the veterans like DL Damien Battles and DB Scott Sumerhayes. There’s a lot of excitement around the Preds this season, the question will be: “Can they challenge Vancouver and Minnesota at the top of the West?”.
Captains:
C - LB Junior Abbott*
A - DL Damien Battles*
A - RB John Drexel
A - WR Ted Jackson*
A - DB Scott Summerhayes*
13 - Toronto Steelheads
1972 Record: 6-8 (5th Central)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Phillip Little (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Ryan Alexander*
Offensive Scheme: Run Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: OL Matthew Miller
Rookie to Watch: OL Owen Brightman
The Steelheads got off to a rocky start under QB Landon Ross last season, going 2-7 to start. However, after their bye week and switching over to QB David Simmons and then rookie QB Ryan Alexander, the team bounced back with a 4-1 finish. Entering his 2nd season, Alexander will be taking over the offence going forward for Toronto. The 1972 15th overall pick, is a young pocket passer who is looked at as the future of the team and will have the chance to prove it next to a healthy WR Cameron Kane, newcomer WR Alex Browne Sr., and RB Shannon West with a fresh new contract after a solid performance last season. However, the team does have to be a little skeptical of their O-line which looks to be one of the weakest on paper, which may hold the offence back this year. Defensively, the team should be solid behind their stars of LB Judge Barrett, DL Haakon Leichenberg, DB Dwayne James, and S Charles Clerk. Younger stars will also get a bigger opportunity this season with 1972 1st Overall Pick DL Sam Reinkemeyer moving to the edge on the line this season as well as LB Chase Chalker who takes the spot left by LB Grover Smith. Overall, Toronto should have a solid defence behind defensive HC Phillip Little, but the offence might go through some growing pains.
Captains:
C - LB Judge Barrett
A - WR Alex Browne Sr.*
A - S Charles Clerk
A - DB Dwayne James*
A - OL Amos Sewell
14 - Indiana Victors
1972 Record: 4-10 (6th Central)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Theo Espinoza (1st Season)
Starting QB: Al Washington*
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: LB Conrad Kurst
Rookie to Watch: LB Corey Briggs
It was a miserable season for the Victors in 1972, which made it clear it was time for an overhaul. GM Pete Laird and HC Theo Espinoza are now in charge of the team and hope to turn it around. Throughout training camp, many had their eyes on the QB battle between the 2 young 25-year-old draftees from the 1970 draft: 1st Round Pick, Nathan Houle, and 4th Round Pick, Al Washington. However, the battle would be short-lived with Houle still dealing with some nagging issues from his season-ending injury last season, so the team is moving forward with Washington as their starter. Washington has just one start to his name, but the young QB still has a lot of potential and will have an opportunity to prove it until Houle is good to go. Washington will have some solid weapons still with WR Jake Abbredezzi leading the way, next to a solid backfield behind the newly acquired RB Ronnie Byers and RB Daniel Collins. Defensively, the Victors do have some new faces starting this season with LB Conrad Kurst, joining the LB group next to new captain Marshall Langenbrunner, and DB Oswald Martell, making his debut in a starting role to begin his 2nd season. They will also be in a new scheme under HC Theo Espinoza, who has found success with a solid defence in Long Island. It is likely the team will lean on their defence to capture a few more wins this season.
Captains:
C - LB Marshall Langenbrunner*
A - WR Jake Abbredezzi*
A - DL Eugene Case*
A - OL Viktor Stahl*
A - LB Maxwell Trevorrow*
15 - Regina Wheat Kings
1972 Record: 3-11 (5th West)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Wayne Combs (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Stanley Evans
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: WR Bennie Braverman
Rookie to Watch: WR Colt Robbins
Injuries plagued the Wheat Kings last season, primarily on defence with two of their top players, DL Butcher Callahan and LB Brett Pride, missing significant time. They managed a 3-11 season despite the injuries and look to be taking steps in the right direction towards a strong season this year. QB Stanley Evans still controls the offence next to RB Deion Chapman in the backfield. The WR corps gets a bit of a shake-up with WR Nick Spalding heading to Long Island, so WR Leonard Green will lead the way next to newcomer Bennie Braverman and rookie WR Colt Robbins. On paper, the defensive is the stronger part of Regina’s team with the elite DL Butcher Callahan dominating the line, a solid LB corps with Pride and 1972 3rd overall pick, LB Lewis Vander, and a pair of solid corners in DB Madison McGee and 2nd-year DB Kevin Krane. If Regina can stay healthy this season, expect the team to show a little more bite this season.
Captains:
C - LB Brett Pride
A - DL Butcher Callahan
A - QB Stanley Evans
A - DL Pete Gingers
A - OL Hugh Johnson*
16 - Winnipeg Falcons
1972 Record: 3-11 (6th West)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Jay Nielson (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Emerson Thompson*
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: LB Daniel Shao Li
Rookie to Watch: RB Joshua Tomlinson
1972 was a turbulent season for the Falcons, especially under centre. QBs Ulysses Lawyer and Xerxes Wynn were brought in to shake up the QB room. Unfortunately, both struggled early in the season combining for 1 win through all of their starts combined. QB Emerson Thompson, who had been the previous starter, stepped back in and performed well enough to capture 2 wins in 6 starts. Thompson’s performance and comfort behind a weaker O-line led to him getting the job this season, though many still suspect 1972 3rd Round Pick, Mitchell Nash, will get a shot as well. The aforementioned O-line is hopefully going to be stronger behind younger talent that is showing growth. A stronger line should help Thompson deliver the ball to his playmakers in WRs Terry Upshaw and Juwan Sylvester. RB Joe Rivers will still be the starting RB, but rookie Joshua Tomlinson is also expected to get some snaps. Defensively, the Falcons will look to LB Claude Clarke and DB Kyle Ellerbee to lead the way as veterans. However, younger players like 1972 ROY nominee, DL Graham de Veres, and S Vernon Redgate, will need to step up to lead as well. Winnipeg has a lot of uncertainty this season, but if they can get some consistent play at QB, they may fare decently in the West.
Captains:
C - LB Claude Clarke
A - DB Kyle Ellerbee*
A - DL Quinton Hextal*
A - RB Joe Rivers
A - WR Terry Upshaw
17 - Halifax Mariners
1972 Record: 2-12 (6th East)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Alfred Deniau (1st Season)
Starting QB: Todd Sparrow
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DB Perry Ferris
Rookie to Watch: S George Turner
It was tough sledding for the Mariners in the East Division last season, as Halifax was crushed by a miserable 0-8 divisional record. The new season brings in a new coach in Alfred Deniau who is coming off of a short 2-year HC role in Montreal where he posted a 9-15 record. Deniau previously was Halifax’s OC during their run to the Cup win in 1968. The team hopes that Deniau’s offensive specialty can help young QB Todd Sparrow take the next step forward. The former 1st overall pick has struggled so far in his young career and will be hoping to flash some of the elite talent in his 3rd season. He does have some reinforcements offensively, with 2nd-year players in RB Axel Vandal and WR Oliver Shephard expecting to play bigger roles this season. Not to mention WRs Shane Steadman and Jav Kerrigan remain on the team next to a solid O-line. Defensively, the Mariners are a bit weak up front behind an aging DL Pat Butler, but a solid LB corps and some changes in the secondary with the addition of DB Perry Ferris and 1st Overall Pick, S George Turner. There are signs to suggest Halifax should be stronger this season, however, it remains a tough East Division, which may lead to still a long year in Halifax.
Captains:
C - DL Pat Butler
A - LB Frederic Macnamara*
A - QB Todd Sparrow*
A - DB Jack Treadaway*
A - WR Shane Steadman
18 - Edmonton Rangers
1972 Record: 4-10 (4th West)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Pat Gilliam (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Mike Key*
Offensive Scheme: Run Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DL Chris Barrett
Rookie to Watch: S Ian Lauder
Following the retirement of their star QB, Blair Collins, the Rangers stumbled through the 1972 season. Inconsistent play at QB behind Ken Myers did not help the matter, leading to the team making some changes this offseason. QB Mike Key was brought in to be the starter, however, he may be a few years too late to a starting role, as he is already 35 years old and hasn’t held a consistent starting position since 1963. The rest of the offence is mixed. The loss of Matthew Miller on the O-line weakens the usually sturdy group. RB Gary Hubbard isn’t getting younger, though he should have some backup with youngsters like Howie Bowman and Vincent Marsden II. WR Stanley McClendon is still expected to be the star in the passing game, but expect Edmonton’s offence to still run through the backfield. Defensively, the Rangers did add several pieces, but they were all in the 30+ range with DLs Chris and Roger Barrett, DL Jared Kendall and S Pat Washington. DB Corey Ross, also 30, is an interesting move having some starting experience on the back end, but again getting older. Edmonton may have improved the team marginally with the new additions, but it could be a short-lived improvement due to the age.
Captains:
C - OL Charles Creighton
A - DL Chris Barrett
A - RB Gary Hubbard*
A - QB Mike Key*
A - LB Frank St. John
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