September 4, 1999 - Mustang receiver Tim Hatfield suffered a season ending knee injury in one of the first days of training camp. Hatfield, although not terribly experienced, was one of the more seasoned receivers left on the Mustang roster this year.

With the loss of Hatfield, only tight end Hudson Clark has any receptions in a CIAU football game. This, of course, signals one of the biggest concerns on the 1999 Mustang roster. Depth.

The inexperienced receiving corps threatens to take away a major component of the Mustangs three-pronged offence; run, pass and kick. Without a legitimate passing threat, opposing defences can stack the middle and key on the running game.

But the running game is not immune from concerns either. Although the running back position is probably the strongest and deepest of any on the team, the offensive line is thin. The starting five are expected to be as strong as ever but lacking in depth. One or two key injuries could case real problems.

Probably the biggest are of concern is at quarterback. Mike O'Brien, in his second year as starting QB, is poised to have one of the best seasons any Mustang QB has ever had. But if he goes down with injury, there are only inexperienced rookies - mediocre ones at that - available to step in. Of course, with an inexperienced receiving corps, O'Briens numbers may be somewhat deflated.

The defence this season looks to improve over a shaky year in 1998. Most key players are returning including all-stars Justin Anania at linebacker and Alan Wilson at corner. The only loss from last years defensive staring squad is safety Ryan Lyons.