Valley Huskers up for the challenge as they defend home turf Saturday in season opener against Kamloops
CHILLIWACK — The Valley Huskers know they have a tough, physical opponent awaiting them this weekend as they defend home turf against Kamloops in their Canadian Junior Football League season opener at Exhibition Stadium.
At the same time, Huskers head coach Bob Reist likes his team’s chances against a Broncos squad that fell to the Westshore Rebels 43-27 in their season opener at home last Saturday (July 20).
“Kamloops is always a physical team that brings it on every play,” Coach Reist said. “They have some exceptionally talented receivers and playmakers. We look forward to the challenge on Saturday. We are excited to kick the season off. I think we have a strong group of veterans combined with a solid group of new faces that should be able to produce a lot of excitement this year.”
Returning quarterback Tyran Duval will be counted on to anchor the Huskers offence towards a breakout season.
Image: Crazy Bees Photography, used with permission / Valley Huskers quarterback Tyran Duval.“Tyran Duval returns and is poised to have a big season. He’s a smart, athletic quarterback that should be able to put up some impressive numbers,” Coach Reist said. “He has a lot of weapons at his disposal.”
Wide receiver Payton Lake is one of those primary targets. He returns to lead a talented receiving core.
Image: Crazy Bees Photography, used with permission / Valley Huskers wide receiver Payton Lake.“Payton is a playmaker with deceptive speed. We are looking for Payton to play a large role in the offence again this year,” Reist said.
G.W. Graham product Grady Andrea joins an extremely talented running back group, led by Jawad Harb and Mason Massee.
“Grady has shown that he has the skill set to be very productive in this league. Look for him to make an impact on special teams as well,” Reist said.
On defence, Raiden Mastin is coming off a successful rookie campaign and will be looking to take his game to the next level. Newcomer Jon Banal is a key addition to the linebacking corps.
“Raiden is an athletic defensive back and has the ability to be a game changer,” Reist said. “Jon is a fast, hard hitting linebacker that is always around the football. He’s going to present issues for opponents.”
Game time is 7 p.m. Saturday night. The Huskers will recognize Chilliwack police, firefighters, paramedics and other frontline public servants on First Responders Appreciation Night. There is free admission for first responders for Saturday’s home game; first responders just need to show a valid ID/badge at the gate if they didn’t get a ticket, and no uniform is necessary.
There’s also free admission all season long for kids under 18 who wear their local football jerseys, community football or high school, from Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission and Ridge Meadows. The Huskers just ask that local youth keep their jersey on during the game to represent their team and promote local football.