X-Men football program focused on return to AUS playoffs

White and Blue to kickoff regular season on road versus rival Huskies

By Corey LeBlanc

The STFX X-Men are ready to tackle the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) season, with a steely-eyed focus on making a return to the playoffs this fall.

"Everyone is ready to get back on the field and compete," White and Blue head coach Gary Waterman said.

He described the mood as "excitement – just joy," when the 101 student-athletes kicked off training camp on the Antigonish campus Aug. 27.

"There was so much enthusiasm – you can see it on their faces," Waterman – a former X-Men defensive back – added.

He explained that – even more so this season, considering teams are coming off an almost two-year layoff – the key has been on "getting up to speed" and learning the system.

Although STFX – like their conference counterparts – haven't been able to play games, Waterman noted that practicing and training together have "paid big dividends," when it comes to developing an understanding of what the X-Men program wants to accomplish.

Returning players from the 2019 season – one that featured a young roster – will also be able to tap into that experience, even though STFX finished in unfamiliar territory, the AUS basement, with a 2-6 record.

Running the ball

"A blue-collar mentality," Waterman offered, when asked what fans can expect from the X-Men this season, which includes a familiar focus on featuring a strong running game.

Malcolm Bussey (Hammonds Plains, NS), a two-time Gatorade New Hampshire Football player of the year, is a highly-anticipated newcomer in the X-Men backfield.

"It is a unique story," Waterman said of the first-year running back's connection to STFX. His grandfather, who played for legendary head coach Don Loney, is a member of the StFX Sports Hall of Fame as part of one of those White and Blue championship squads.

He added that Bussey, who attended prep school in the United States, has "proven himself at a high level."

"We are going to be really good at that position," Waterman said.

He explained that – with a strong ground game – the X-Men will be able to turn their focus to establishing an "efficient passing game."

Veteran Bailey Wasdal (Calgary, AB) has returned, while Waterman noted that there are "young guys nipping at his heels," when it comes to who will be under center when the X-Men start the regular season.

"It is important to evaluate them now, and not by the last time that they played," the STFX mentor explained, noting that is the approach being taken at every position.

He added that the program is in a "good situation" at quarterback.

When it comes to who will be catching their passes, Waterman talked about Ben Harrington (Dartmouth, NS), a first-year player he described as a "tremendous receiver."

Returnees include Benoit Cormier (Moncton, NB) and Isaac Fagnan (Bonnyville, AB), along with tight end Connor Ross (Coldbrook, NS).

"We are also excited about seeing what he brings to the table," Waterman said of Jack True, a native of Yarmouth, Maine, who suited up with his home state Black Bears in NCAA competition.

He added that wide receiver Zakariya Karim (Ottawa, ON) continues to "improve on a daily basis."

Isaiah Parkinson (Hamilton, ON) will add speed, while John Luke Taylor (Stellarton, NS) – a national-calibre track and field athlete that is playing football for the first time – has "tremendous acceleration," according to Waterman.

"You have to talk about the O-line," Waterman stressed, when it comes to any conversation about keys to a successful offense.

Gregor MacKellar (Timberlea, NS), who started his collegiate career with the Rice Owls in the NCAA, is back for another season at STFX.

"We expect him to have an outstanding year – be really dominant," Waterman predicted.

As for Che Morales (Dartmouth, NS), he said that the sophomore has "really come into his own."

Tom Brow (St. John, NB), who committed to the X-Men for 2020, will finally get to play his freshman campaign.

"We are so excited to have him," Waterman said, noting that the student-athlete was "one of the top recruits in Canadian football" when he graduated from high school.

He added that the X-Men offensive line will be "skilled," while boasting "plenty of depth and experience."

Defensive depth

Waterman said that they are "very, very excited" about the X-Men defense, noting the "depth and quality players" on that side of the ball.

With the unexpected interruption that wiped out last season, he noted that players were able to deepen their understanding of an alignment switch implemented in 2019.

Veteran Alex Fedchun (Calgary, AB) will anchor the White and Blue defensive line.

"We expect him to have a tremendous year – he is one of the premier defensive linemen in the country," Waterman offered.

Chris Rambi (Richmond Hill, ON) and Joshuah Brown (Etobicoke, ON) – an education student who transferred from the University of Waterloo – are also expected to be key contributors along the defensive front.

"We have had a lot of quality players at that position," Waterman said of the linebackers, noting that should continue in 2021.

Describing him as a "glue player," he added that Ben Von Muehldorfer (Calgary, AB) will be a leader of that unit.

"Ben is a great athlete, who has an incredible understanding of the game," Waterman noted.

Dezain Brooks (Hamilton, ON) also provides a key veteran presence.

"We have a number of young guys who have been waiting for their chance," the X-Men bench boss noted, including some with experience at the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) level.

Coaches are also expecting big things from Makayeo Hall (Halifax, NS), who started his Canadian university career with the Carleton Ravens.

"He is very athletic and we think that he can be a special player," Waterman said.

In the secondary, veterans Cole Virtanen (Nanaimo, BC) and Ethan Mastin (Chilliwack, BC) will be expected to contribute greatly.

"They have so much experience – having played at such a high level," Waterman said.

He added that another returnee – Jay Turnsek (North Bay, ON) – is "such a smart player."

Sharif Ndayisenga, who played in the CEGEP ranks, is one of the new faces in the secondary.

"We expect there will be young guys that emerge," Waterman said, in noting their depth at that position.

Special teams

Over the past several seasons, the X-Men have been strong on special teams, including the kicking game.

"It is tough to lose a quality player," Waterman said of the departed Kieran Burnham, who boomed many long punts and field goals while in an X-Men uniform.

Nevertheless, he added, the program is confident that this aspect of the game will remain one of their strengths.

"He is a really good football player," Waterman said of Max Capriotti (Mount Hope, ON), who should benefit from getting experience as a freshman in 2019, when Burnham was injured.

StFX has also added Ben Hadley (Halifax, NS), who most recently kicked for Queen's.

"We are going to be solid in the kicking game," the X-Men head coach predicted.

Schedule change

On the heels of a lost season due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, teams will play a six – rather than eight – game schedule.

Rather than having home-and-home games with each of the other four teams in the conference, STFX will play the Mount Allison Mounties and defending AUS-champion Acadia Axemen only once. They will line up against the Bishop's Gaiters and Saint Mary's Huskies twice.

The X-Men will kick-off the 2021 regular campaign on the road, when they face the rival Huskies in Halifax on Friday, Sept. 17.

The White and Blue will host the Gaiters in their home opener on Saturday, Oct. 2nd. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. on the turf at StFX Stadium.

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