Golden Bears prepare to enter season with key questions under new coach

As the Golden Bears football team enters training camp under new head coach Stevenson Bone, they begin a new era — one filled with high hopes and excitement. Time will tell how the team performs under Bone, but key questions remain before the season kicks off on August 29 at Foote Field.

Who will emerge as the week one starting quarterback?

Both Eli Hetlinger and Cade Labrecque saw significant snaps last year, each attempting more than 100 passes. Before the regular season begins, one of the two promising quarterbacks must emerge as the clear-cut QB1.

Hetlinger, limited to five games due to injury, completed 63 per cent of his 138 passes for 969 yards. He threw seven touchdowns and was intercepted three times, producing a passer efficiency rating of 134.4 for the third-year quarterback.

Comparatively, second-year quarterback Cade Labrecque completed 49 per cent of his passes for 736 yards. His efficiency rating was 121.3, with five touchdowns and three interceptions. While Labrecque stretched the field with more yards per attempt (7.4 compared with Hetlinger’s 7.0), his accuracy and consistency lagged behind.

Bone has made it clear no starter has been selected, saying clarity will come with time. Still, Hetlinger’s efficiency makes him the early favourite. The question becomes whether Labrecque’s eight starts last year gave him the experience to surpass the veteran.

The battle between Hetlinger and Labrecque is expected to be tight, but the competition extends beyond them. Depth options such as Canadian Junior Football League all-Canadian Trey Reider and returning veteran Lucas Feaver add intrigue to the quarterback room.

Who will replace Matthew Peterson in the backfield?

For the first time in four years, the Golden Bears will line up without former running back Matthew Peterson. Peterson ranked among the most efficient backs in Canada West, valued for his drive-extending ability. Last year, he averaged 7.5 yards per carry, giving Alberta a reliable X-factor. Peterson was selected 36th overall in the CFL draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, leaving a significant hole in the Bears’ offence.

Seth Poelzer arrives on campus as one of the most exciting prospects in the country. Poelzer recently earned offensive MVP honours at the Football Canada Cup while representing Team Alberta. Bone has already suggested the freshman could step directly into a meaningful role, calling him “one of the best freshman backs we’ve seen in Canada West in years.”

Returning third-year backs such as Alan Xiang and Duncan Critch will also play a role in powering Alberta’s offence. But Poelzer is the unknown variable, with the potential to provide a high ceiling if he can quickly adjust his game to the pace and physicality of U Sports football.

Whichever quarterback and running back start on August 29, the backfield will be supported by an experienced offensive line. Returning offensive linemen Cody Neumann and Iwanosa Uwubanmwen will anchor the unit. The Golden Bears’ success will hinge on how quickly their new leaders settle into place, and they will look to feed off a strong home crowd in their opener at Foote Field.