Ray Moon has already been given a subtle reminder of what the difference can be of having a successful season at the "AA" level of B.C. high school football or not.
His South Delta Sun Devils are considered one of the teams to beat thanks a number of returning players and an impressive group of incoming Grade 11s. However, smaller rosters mean leaning more on key personnel and those high expectations can go south in a hurry with a couple of injuries.
The Sun Devils open their schedule Saturday (1: 30 p.m.) at home in a nonconference tilt against Nanaimo. They will be without four players, including Nick Whitty who will be sidelined for another five weeks with a broken collarbone suffered in a controlled scrimmage against Carson Graham. Two other players - Matt Wollin and Shane Dagg are nursing minor injuries, while Parker Dodd is still on the mend from an ACL injury from last season.
A healthy 31-player roster two weeks ago has already taken a hit without playing a competitive game yet.
"On paper, this looks like a good group," said Moon. "We have some good speed and size and the potential to play with anyone. But the concern is staying healthy enough and the kids getting the necessary experience to grow and succeed at this level."
The returning group of players includes quarterback Kyle Menzies who is looking more confident in the pocket going through his reads. He also provides a running threat, an asset the Devils intend to take advantage of with different formations.
South Delta is also bigger up front, led by Team B.C. candidate Rene Sencio (5-foot-9, 225 lbs) and Rhys Weltzel (6-foot, 235 lbs).
A shuffle of teams in the three Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island "AA" conferences has resulted in less travel and more games against traditional rivals.
The Sun Devils are now in the South Conference with Belmont (Victoria), Eric Hamber (Vancouver), Holy Cross (Surrey), Hugh Boyd (Richmond) and Seaquam (North Delta).
"It keeps us closer to home and sets up our rivalry games for us," said Moon who last year had to deal with a steady diet of Vancouver Island and North Shore teams.
South Delta will travel to Kelowna next weekend then open conference play Sept. 22 at home to Belmont.
