The Westshore Rebels kick off training camp today and Sunday at Westhills Stadium, ahead of the start of the sa国际传媒 Junior Football Conference season next month.
Veteran returnees for the Rebels include linebacker Byron McKinnon, offensive lineman Tyrese Hogue and defensive linemen Leonardo Ingram and Ronan Silver.
Key newcomers include former University of Windsor quarterback Colby Henkel and other U Sports products, including former University of Calgary Dinos receiver Brycen Mayoh, McMaster linebacker Jesse Zajaros and defensive back Polis Koko from the University of Regina Rams.
A notable junior signing is former Winnipeg Rifles defensive end Machuor Akau.
鈥淲e have one of the best defensive lineups I have seen in years,鈥 Rebels head coach Shane Beatty said.
鈥淭he talent across all the teams in the BCJFC this year is strong and it will better prepare us, or whichever team, goes up against the Saskatoon Hilltops in the Canadian Junior Football championship.鈥
The 2019 BCJFC season opens for the Rebels on Aug. 3 against the Valley Huskers in Chilliwack.
The first Rebels home game will be the Island derby against the VI Raiders at Westhills Stadium on Aug. 10.