District 8 title up for grabs

The four-team District 8 senior football league kicks off its third season this week with the defending champion St. David Celtics challenging the Resurrection Phoenix on Wednesday afternoon.

The Celtics are coming off a memorable season that saw them defeat the St. Benedict Saints in the D8 final and advance to a CWOSSA semifinal against Jacob Hespeler and suffer a gut-wrenching 34-31 loss.

St. David lost MVP quarterback Justin Henderson and impact receiver Daire Newbrough to graduation and might be hard-pressed to repeat last year’s magic.

Resurrection suffered its worst season in recent memory, posting a 1-5 regular-season record and losing to St. David in the playoffs, but the senior squad will get a lift this year from an influx of players that won a D8 junior title last year.

The St. Mary’s Eagles also finished 1-5 and were the only team that failed to make the playoffs.

Here’s a quick look at the District 8 senior football league:

Resurrection Phoenix

Last year: 1-5 regular season, lost in playoff semifinals Head coach: Matt Gallagher Big three: Elvis Sanchez RB, Parker Boyd OL/DL, Jaxon Matcheski WR Key losses: Michael Perak, Jack Hinsperger Coach’s comment: “Resurrection is fielding a young, coachable, enthusiastic team that is eager to compete.”

St. Benedict Saints

Last year: 5-1 regular season, District 8 finalist Head coach: Joe Vale Big three: Andy Horscroft (QB), Nick Stainsby (S), Josh Cumber (DB) Key losses: Alex Douglas (QB), Graham Shepherd (RB) Coach’s comment: “This year’s Saints are looking to continue to learn and grow as a collective unit each week. We hope our mix of veterans and rookies will lead to a successful season.”

St. David Celtics

Last year: 5-1 regular season, District 8 champion Co-coaches: Shane Verbiski, Steve Ennis Big three: Jahnei Powell (R), Cole Schneider (CB), Colin Conant (DB) Key losses: Justin Henderson, Daire Newbourgh Coach’s comment: “We’re hoping this young team works as hard as last year. We would like to see us get better as the year progresses.” — Verbiski

St. Mary’s Eagles

Last year: 1-5 regular season, failed to make playoffs Head coach: Kyle Armour Big three: Andrew Brush (QB), Jody Brown Jr. (WR), Trenton Idzik-Dacosta (DB) Key losses: Noah Ross, Akash Swaminadhan Coach’s comment: “We are led by a very dedicated group of seniors and a solid group of newcomers. We aim to … improve on last year’s record.”