Muskies gearing up for season-opener

The Muskie football team is gearing up for their first game of the season against Sturgeon Heights after an afternoon of exhibition matches last Thursday that were equal parts humbling and educating.
“It was a good learning experience for all our young players. They showed lots of promise,” said Muskie head coach Vince Gouin.
“It was really good for them to get a chance to play in a game situation because Winnipeg usually starts a bit earlier than we do,” he added.
Scores were not kept for the pair of scrimmages, but with rookies making up half of the Muskie defence, no one was proclaiming that the black-and-gold had conquered Manitoba.
“We could’ve done better,” said senior free safety Tyler Huntley. “We had a few key mistakes. People need to know their depth charts a bit better, but it’s coming.”
He admitted having such a raw defensive corps made for some mismatched games as many players had never even taken a hit on the field before.
“It’s fast the first couple of games,” he added.
Still, Gouin remained positive and insisted there was plenty to work with.
“They played well,” he said. “Their effort was outstanding. . . .
“We still have to work on making our blocks and working on the basics. You know, making good decisions and making the tackle when we need to.”
As for his overall impression of the pre-season?
“It was positive,” said Gouin. “The kids all played hard and they played well, and there’s lots of things as a coaching staff we can do to help them achieve their goals.”
For now, the team is looking forward to their first game, which kicks off here this Friday (Sept. 7) at 3 p.m. against Sturgeon Heights of Winnipeg.
Sturgeon Heights—formed by the merger of both Sturgeon Creek and Silver Heights high schools—is coached by former Muskie star quarterback Brett Watt.
Watt came over with Sturgeon Creek and that school’s squad has a reputation—and in theory would be stronger with the addition of a new school.
“Last year they beat us by, boy, I don’t even know,” Gouin admitted. “It was a good game.”
Huntley said the team is prepared to give its best and work out any problems in practice before the game.
“It [our play] can be fixed, but it’s going to be hard,” he conceded. “Sturgeon’s a good team, too.”
As far as predictions go, Gouin likes his team’s chances.
“Any team in our division can beat any team at any other time,” he remarked.