The Manitoba Bisons football team is pleased to announce the commitment of another six players for the upcoming 2010 season. On offence, running back Kienan LaFrance, fullback Thomas Cuddy, offensive lineman Ray Thornson, offensive lineman Clay Scheller and offensive lineman Cole Scheller along with linebacker Eric Vincent have all committed to the Bisons for the 2011 season.
“As we move close to start of Spring Camp and evaluating our team, we feel these six players should make an impact at camp and push for roster spots this season,” commented Bison football head coach
Brian Dobie, in his 16th season at the helm of the Bison Football program. “We have recruited hard at the offensive lineman position and there are starting positions available plus the addition of Kienan and Thomas will add depth and provide great battles with starters gone at both the running back and fullback areas.”
LaFrance, 19, played the last two seasons with the Winnipeg Rifles in PFC (Prairie Football Conference):
• LaFrance had a stellar career with the Rifles as he 2010 and 2009 PFC – Most Outstanding Offensive Player and 2010 and 2009 PFC All-Star Team; 2010 and 2009 CJFL – Most Outstanding Running Back in Canada and 2010 CJFL All-Star Team; selected for the Winnipeg Rifle career All-Star Team and was PFC and CJFL Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks
• The 5'10”, 200 lbs running back was second in PFC in rushing with 1063 yards on 140 carries (7.6 avg.) with six TDs in 2010 season
• He led the Rifles in rushing in both seasons and team MVP in 2010
• Prior to Rifles, the Winnipeg native played at Sturgeon Heights High School and was Team Offensive MVP and MVP; led his team to a victory in the Free Press Bowl; rushed for 995 yards on 112 carries (8.9) with 12 TDs in regular season; rushed for 581 yards and 10 touchdowns in three playoff games and caught 16 passes for 266 yards (16.7) in his only season
Cuddy (6'3”, 220 lbs. FB) played last season for Vincent Massey Collegiate:
• He was part of Team Manitoba roster for 2010 Canada Cup
Thornson (6'5”, 300 lbs. OL) played last season for the Winnipeg Rifles:
• The Starbuck, MB native had one tackle in 2010 season and opened up holes for LaFrance on the offensive line
Clay and Cole Scheller both played the last three seasons for the Vancouver Island Raiders:
• The River East Collegiate graduates were part of CJFL National Champion Raiders team in 2009 and 2008
Vincent played the last two season with the Winnipeg Rifles in PFC (Prairie Football Conference):
• Vincent led the PFC in total tackles with 46.5 tackles (36 solo) and had one forced fumble in the 2010 season
• The 5'10”, 205lb. linebacker was also named 2010 PFC All-Star and Winnipeg Rifles Team awards in 2009 for MVP, Outstanding Leadership and defensive MVP plus 2010 Defensive MVP and Outstanding Graduate and Outstanding Leadership
• The Winnipeg native added 33.5 tackles (29 solo), two fumble recoveries and one interception in 2009 season
Bison Football Notes: The 2011 Bison Football Spring Camp will commence on the last weekend of April and will be run at the University Stadium (U of Manitoba campus) from April 28 to May 1.
