May 21 Niagara Generals report
Niagara Generals’ football teams won one of three games in Ontario Summer Football League action last weekend.
The under-12 peewee Generals thumped the Brantford Bisons 60-6 on the road, the under-14 bantam Generals were edged 22-20 by the Niagara Spears and the under-10 atom Generals dropped a 26-6 decision to Brantford.
BANTAMS
Generals head coach Bruce Macrae used all of his players in the pre-season game to determine what needed to be worked on for the upcoming season.
“In this game, our players left it all on the field,” he said. “I’m extremely proud of how our athletes played this game, although there are things we need to work on as players and coaches. I believe we are in for an amazing season and I am looking forward to seeing what these kids can do.”
Performing well for the Generals were: quarterback Cameron Macrae, who ran for 50 yards and threw a touchdown pass; Gavin Vasquez who had a short TD run; Mateo Ayala who kicked a convert; and, Calum Smith who caught a 30-yard TD pass late in the game to make things interesting.
Coach Nathan Greene, who is the head coach at St. Catharines Collegiate, was impressed with the team’s play.
“No question the bantam Generals will be a force to reckon with. The football talent in Niagara is tremendous. I look forward to seeing the players from both teams in high school action.”
PEEWEES
Led by a dominant performance by its defence, the peewee Generals recorded a big win over the Bisons.
The Gens gave up only two first downs the entire game.
“We have our work cut out for us continuing to develop our depth players but we are very pleased with their progress so far this season,” coach Kent Wakem said.
Aiden Weltz and Dante Torelli recorded fumble recoveries and the defence recorded a safety.
Niagara’s offence was flawless except for one fumble. The offensive line, anchored by rookie centre Rocco Frisoli, had a fantastic game.
“They were able to hold the Bisons’ defensive line in check allowing our high-octane offensive backfield to move the ball at their leisure,” Wakem said. “We are very fortunate this season with multiple weapons on our offence.”
Spencer MacRae scored a pair of TDs and single majors were scored by Luis Corredor-Reyes, Dyami Maphar, Ryder Hughes, Rudy Somerville, Layken Crawford and Lox Raducanu. Four two-point converts were added by Mark Hazzouri and single-point converts were added by Jackson Mills and MacRae.
“We look forward to a break this coming week to rest up and prepare for our next battle on the road against the Cambridge Lions June 4,” he said.
ATOMS
The Niagara Generals grabbed an early 6-0 lead but couldn’t score again in a 26-6 loss to Brantford.
Defensive end Eli McLean set up the first score with a fumble recovery. The major was scored by Jake Brewster on a run.
Brantford scored three straight TDs in the first half to garb the lead before Brewster had a long QB keeper run with no time left on the clock. Unfortunately, he was tackled just before the goal line ending the first half with Brantford up 20-6.
For most of the second half, Niagara’s defence held Brantford in check and defensive end Jaxon Bielich had an important tackle to force Branrford into turning the ball over on downs.
“There were things our guys did well today on both sides of the ball and things for us to take away and learn from,” coach Andrew Lewis said. “In order to be successful, everyone has to execute at their jobs. I know all our guys including coaches are capable of that. Today just wasn’t our day, but it’s an opportunity for all of us to learn from.”
