EDMONTON – It's been over 60 years since the Bears Football program has had a hiatus stretching longer than the one brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

However, after 694 days since they last hit the gridiron, the Bears return to action this Saturday, when they host the UBC Thunderbirds in their 2021 season-opener. 

The Bears were gaining momentum in 2019, starting the season with a 4-1 record, which included earning a spot in the U SPORTS Top 10 for the first time since 2010. Despite a 28-23 loss to Saskatchewan in the Hardy Cup Semifinal, it marked the second post-season appearance for Alberta in two seasons.

HEADLINES

• Among the key returners for the Bears include 2019 CW All-Stars Brad Launhardt (QB) and Jayden Dalke (S), as well as returning starters Peter Kozuska (OL), and Josiah Shackel (LB).
• Launhardt led Canada West with 2,328 passing yards in 2019, which also set a new Bears single-season record. He was also the first Bears QB to be named a CW All-Star since Gerald Kunyk in 1974. 
• Both Dalke and Kozushka were named to the CFL's Top 20 draft list earlier in September. Kozushka, a 6-7 was ranked 14th overall, and the second-highest ranked Canada West product. Dalke was also a U SPORTS All-Canadian in 2019 after recording 44.5 tackles, three interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.
• 2021 also marks the first game for a pair of high-profile Bears assistant coaches. Tom Higgins, who coached head coach Chris Morris during his days with the Edmonton Football Team, is the Alberta defensive coordinator. Former Edmonton All-Star linebacker A.J. Gass was also brough on as a defensive consultant and linebackers coach.

 

WEEK 1 GAME NOTES

 

LIVE STATS

 

CANADA WEST TV

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SEASON PREVIEW

2019 CW regular season record: 4-4, Third
2019 post-season record: 0-1, L to SSK in Hardy Cup Semifinal
 
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 1981 / 16
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 1980 / 3
 
2021 CFL Draft picks:
DL – Cole Nelson – Edmonton Elks
 
2019 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 25.3 PPG, 5th
Total offence: 399.4 YPG, 4th
Points against: 29.5 PPG, 4th
Total defence: 411.4 YPG, 3rd
 
2019 CW regular season leaders:
Passing yards: 2,328 – Brad Launhardt, Quarterback
Rushing yards: 347 – Jonathan Rosery, Running Back
Receiving yards: 799 – Ben Kopczysnki, Receiver
All-purpose yards: 927 – Ben Kopczysnki, Receiver
Tackles: 51 – Josiah Schakel, Linebacker
Sacks: 4.0 – Jassen Brown, Linebacker
Interceptions: 3 – Jayden Dalke, Safety
 
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Luca Rudich / Defensive Line / 1^st / Lakeway, Texas / Lake Travis High School
Deon Williams-Morgan / Offensive Line / 1^st / Calgary, AB / Henry Wise Wood HS
Carter Stuart / Offensive Line / 1^st / Calgary, AB / Notre Dame High School
Zac Montgomery / Quarterbacl / 2^nd / Knightstown, Indiana / Franklin College
 
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Carter O'Donnell / Offensive Line / Red Deer, AB / 4
Ben Kopczynski / Receiver / Calgary, AB / 5
Cole Nelson / Defensive Line / Ponoka, AB / 6
Troy Hansen / Defensive Back / Edmonton, AB / 2
 
Key offensive performer:
Brad Launhardt
Quarterback
Third-Year
Edmonton, AB
 
As with most football teams, the success of the Golden Bears in 2021 will heavily rely on the strength of their quarterback play.
 
If Launhardt can duplicate his all-star season from 2019, which saw him throw for 2,328 yards, rush for 322, and score 10 touchdowns, the Bears are a legit Hardy Cup threat.
 
Launhardt will have both Jonathan Rosery and Matthew Peterson returning at slot and tailback, and will have one of the best offensive lines in the nation protecting him this season.
 
Key defensive performer:
Jayden Dalke
Safety
Second-Year
Leduc, AB
 
One issue with the Bears in previous seasons was their lack of playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. That is now an area of strength, with players like Josiah Schakel, Jassen Brown, and Jayden Dalke returning to the Evergreen and Gold.
 
Dalke was named a Canada West All-Star and first team U SPORTS All-Canadian safety after recording 44.5 tackles, three interceptions, and one defensive touchdown in 2019.
 
Dalke was also ranked in the CFL Scouting Bureau's Top 20 chart in early September. The Leduc, Alberta product is 6th ranked defensive back product, but the second highest DB playing in U SPORTS.