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Yes, the Calgary Colts are the top ranked team in the Canadian Junior Football League for the first time in their history.
And yes, the Colts are flattered that somebody has chosen to recognize the hard work they?ve put into preparing for the 2012 Prairie Football League season.
But that?s just about as much stock as the Colts are going to put into the plaudits being thrown after they won their first game.
?From the players? perspective, I think it?s nice that somebody thinks they?ve done something well, but all we?ve done is play one game,? said Colts head coach John Stevens.? To be honest, it doesn?t mean anything.?
Certainly, they?ll have a chance to prove it was no fluke when the Colts host the Regina Thunder for their home-opener Sunday at McMahon Stadium (1 p.m.).
The Colts vaulted to the top of the national power rankings on the CJFL Report blog after beating the two-time defending national champion Saskatoon Hilltops 32-30 in their season-opener last Sunday.
It was the first time the Colts have beaten the Hilltops in seven years, and it?s the first time the Hilltops have lost a home-opener in 66 years.
?It was a big game for our program, but one game doesn?t make a whole season,? Stevens said. ?At the end of the day, it?s only two points.?
Against the Hilltops, the Colts offence kept possession of the ball for almost twice as long as the home side. The team?s offensive unit is riddled with returning players, and Stevens expects that experience to pay dividends when the pressure rises late in the season.
After losing 10 starters, the Colts defence faces a challenge integrating new players. Fortunately, many of the players filling those vacated positions have previous experience with the program, while new recruits such as free safety Jermaine Gabriel have impressed so far.
Fifth-year offensive lineman Frank Pellegrino will be relied on to help his new teammates adjust, but he said this year?s squad has showed more off-season dedication than any team of which he?s previously been a part.
?Coach Stevens had a lot of guys get committed,? Pellegrino said. ?And a lot of us were in the gym early, working together and working hard.?
The Colts have made it their goal to play as many home playoff games as possible, and regardless of where they?re ranked now, their end-of-season goal is clear.
?What we?d like to do is represent the Prairie Football Conference in post-season competition and contend for a national championship,? Stevens said.
daniel.austin@sunmedia.ca
Source: http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/08/18/colts-cream-of-canadas-crop
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