The Guelph Gryphons are gearing up for an exciting season, with a veteran-laden team ready to take on the OUA. With a strong offensive duo in Tristan Aboud and Marshall McCray, the Gryphons are poised to unleash a powerful attack. Head coach Mark Surya is confident in his team's potential, especially with the addition of Super Bowl champion Luke Willson as a coach.
The Gryphons' offensive strategy is a fascinating one, as they plan to utilize both Aboud and McCray simultaneously, creating a nightmare scenario for opposing teams. Surya believes that having both players in the game at the same time puts more pressure on the coaching staff to devise the right strategy, but it also presents a formidable challenge for the opposing team.
Aboud and McCray's individual performances last season were impressive. They were the top two rushers on the team, contributing to a ground game that ranked second in the OUA with 202.3 rushing yards per game. In the air, Aboud excelled, finishing sixth in the OUA with 264.6 passing yards per game.
The East-West Bowl provided a glimpse of what the Gryphons can achieve. Aboud's outstanding performance earned him the offensive player of the game honors, throwing for 280 yards and a touchdown, which was caught by McCray, who also had a productive day with three catches and 69 receiving yards.
Surya highlights the importance of the team's veteran presence, stating that this is the most talented team he has been a part of. The addition of Luke Willson, a Super Bowl champion and TV analyst, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the coaching staff. Willson's interaction with the players showcases his coaching prowess, despite his lack of experience at this level.
The Gryphons' offseason moves also include the addition of Zak Colangelo as the linebackers coach, further strengthening the coaching staff. With a mix of experienced players and a dedicated coaching team, the Gryphons are poised to make a strong push for the Yates Cup.
The season begins with a road trip to Laurier on August 29th, followed by a home opener against McMaster on September 6th. The Gryphons are eager to showcase their talent and determination, aiming to make a deep playoff run and reclaim the Yates Cup.
