There are a lot of new things with the Westshore Rebels this season. They have a new head coach and a new defensive lineup, but they also have started their season with something all too familiar B次元官网网址� victory.

Facing off against the Vancouver Island Raiders July 29 for their first game of the season, the Rebels left Nanaimo with a 69-0 victory.

For Dexter Janke, serving as head coach for the first time, the season opener was proof the teamB次元官网网址檚 pre-season work has paid off and proof if they stick to the plan, they could return to the conference finals as they did last season and perhaps chase a cup.

B次元官网网址淚t was a great day for the program, IB次元官网网址檓 really happy with how we were able to execute,B次元官网网址� said Janke of the strong start to the season. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 extremely happy with how the guys are coming together as a group, how they are holding each other accountable. The best part about it is heading from them that it feels more like a family than a football team. ThereB次元官网网址檚 a direct correlation between that and the results we were able to put on the field last week, and it all comes down to our process.B次元官网网址�

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Janke said his pre-season focus for the team has been establishing that sense of pride and teamwork with the players while keeping the excitement of playing football alive.

So important is the process of keeping the team unified that Janke prefers not to highlight any particular player when talking about what looks good for this season or what could need improvement. Even with the nearly entirely new defensive lineup, the highlight for Janke is how quickly they have become a cohesive unit.

Janke is also quick to highlight the versatility of this yearB次元官网网址檚 roster, a strong cadre of local talent, and a diverse group of imports from as far away as Halifax, N.S.

With the offence filled out with returning veterans, Janke himself becomes one of the teamB次元官网网址檚 changes for this season, though he has been with the team since 2020 as assistant head coach, special teams coordinator, and secondary coach.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a combination of excitement and nerves for sure. IB次元官网网址檓 extremely grateful to be in a leadership position with this program,B次元官网网址� he said.

Before joining the Rebels franchise, Janke played in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning the 2019 Grey Cup with the latter.

The Rebels are set to make their home debut for the season Saturday (Aug. 5), taking on the Kamloops Broncos at Starlight Stadium, with the kick-off set for 4 p.m.

B次元官网网址淔ans can expect an exciting team, a disciplined group that is going to play with great passion this season.B次元官网网址�

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