Sun’s shining on Keith Zyla
The ball is in Keith Zyla’s hands — and he’s ready to run with it . . . or throw it.
Entering his third season with the Okanagan Sun, Zyla has been named the team’s starting quarterback ahead of Saturday’s season opener against the defending B.C. Football Conference champion Westshore Rebels of Victoria.
That rematch of last year’s Cullen Cup kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna.
“Of course, it feels good. I’ve waited a couple years for this opportunity,” said the 21-year-old. “The group of guys I have around me — the receivers, the O-line, the running backs — they all look great, so I’m really excited about this year.”
The Sun are excited about Zyla taking the reins too, even if some outsiders are skeptical.
Howie Zaron, a former Sun general manager, felt there were question marks at quarterback in his pre-season assessment for the BCFC website (bcfootballconference.com).
“There’s no question mark for us,” second-year head coach Ben Macauley said emphatically, following a recent training-camp scrimmage.
“Pretty much since we knew Foster (Martens) wasn’t returning, Keith has been our guy.
“It’s his team and the guys are rallying behind him. They believe he’s got what it takes — whether it’s through the air or on his feet.
“We expect that he’s going to be the heart and soul of our offence,” Macauley added.
Zyla’s teammates were also quick to come to his defence, and to tout his potential.
“He hasn’t had his full time and full shot to actually be running the team. He’s always been the guy to come in and clean up,” said third-year receiver Shamar Donelson, who could also be on the verge of a breakout season as one of Zyla’s go-to targets.
“He’s always been calm and composed, and I do have complete faith in him. He’s definitely more focused and more dedicated than he was in the past.”
That’s something Macauley noted too: “He’s been sending me videos from Florida and his training all off-season, and I’ve never seen a more focused Keith Zyla.”
Zyla spent four months in Fort Lauderdale under the tutelage of Tony Sands, who also trains several NFL athletes.