The Regina Thunder will kickoff the 2023 Prairie Football Conference (PFC) regular season this afternoon when they visit the Calgary Colts at 1:00.
Over the last two regular seasons, the Thunder did not lost a game. In 2021, they were defeated by the Saskatoon Hilltops in the league final. Last season Regina prevailed over Saskatoon in the league finals before losing to the Okanagan Sun in the Canadian Bowl.
Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay joined the SportsCage Michael Ball last week, and said even with the team’s past success, it’s a different story in 2023.
“This team is completely a different team than last year and that’s kind of the mindset that we got. ”
With their season ending at home in National Championship, MacAulay felt the players went into the off-season with plenty of motivation.
“I think there’s a sour taste in a lot of guys mouths, they want to have that opportunity to get back out there and make things happen again.”
During their impressive run over the last two years, the Thunder led by quarterback Carter Shewchuk, who has since moved on due to graduation. Replacing Shewchuk, will be Carter Moberg, from Swift Current.
MacAulay said Moberg earned the starting position with his hard work and dedication with Moberg starting his time with the Thunder fourth on the team’s depth chart at quarterback.
“He’s got a strong arm, he’s worked on his football I.Q.” said MacAulay.
Regina lost a couple of their top receivers in Rylan Sokul and Isaac Foord, but the Thunder head coach believes they have players capable of stepping in.
He pointed out Zak Woidyla and Ben Walz has a pair of players who are poised to earn full time starting roles this season. Isiah Woodley is also back with the Thunder for another season. Woodley has spent the summer on the practice roster of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
One position that MacAulay feels is the team’s strength will be the offensive line since the Thunder have four of the five starters back from their 2022 squad.
The ground game of the Thunder will be led by running backs, Ryland Leichert, Justin Reiger and Sadik Sadik.
It will be a brand new Colts team awaiting the Thunder with a brand new coaching staff including former Canadian Football League head coach Tom Higgins who is the Colt’s defensive coordinator.
After Sunday’s game, the Thunder will return to Alberta next week, when they meet the Edmonton Wildcats.
The first home game for the Thunder at Leibel Field will be against the Winnipeg Rifles, Sunday August 27.
