Football roundup: GFESS, BT still unbeaten; Thorold 2-1
The Blessed Trinity Thunder and Greater Fort Erie Gryphons senior football teams remained unbeaten in their respective football leagues last week.
The Thunder improved to 4-0 in Niagara Catholic Athletic Association play with a 14-7 victory over the Saint Paul Patriots (1-3).
Blessed Trinity was led by a pair of rushing touchdowns from Jayden Gurzi-MacDonald and a two-point convert pass from Johnny Breen to Wyatt Bezuyen.
“We got off to a bit of a rocky start with some sputtering drives and gave up a big play just before the half. In the second half, our guys responded well and really fought hard,” Blessed Trinity head coach Sean Jones said. “We had outstanding contributions across the field from many of our veteran players. Saint Paul was a very well-coached and tough opponent. Hats off to them for a well-played game.”
Saint Paul’s touchdown was scored by Adam McBride.
“The Saint Paul football team played a physical game against a very skilled, well-coached and motivated opponent,” Saint Paul head coach Rick Oreskovich said. “We couldn’t capitalize on some of the turnovers our defence created and so we left points off the board. Coaches (Ryan) Nieuwesteeg and (Chris) Hladich did an amazing job in preparing our defence to hold the undefeated Blessed Trinity Thunder to two touchdowns. Our offence has to be more productive if we want to make a playoff run and that is something I have to improve upon.”
First-place in NCAA action will be on the line when the Thunder visit the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0) Friday at 3 p.m.
GRYPHONS 17 BULLDOGS 0
Greater Fort Erie pushed its record in Niagara Region High School Athletic Association Tier 1 action to 4-0 with a 17-0 road victory over the Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs (2-2).
Scoring for the Gryphons were: Colin Laroche on a two-yard run; Brayden Stoddard on a five-yard run; and, Bo Train with a field goal and two converts.
“Complete game from the offence, defence and special teams. The defence was on fire today, getting five turnovers. Coach Nick Woehl has them playing really well,” GFESS head coach Dave Sauer said. “Offensively, we are doing what we need to do to score and play mistake free. I thought we left some points out there in the first half, but we did what we needed to do. Churchill is always a tough team to play and makes us work for every yard. We had a couple injuries today and have a quick turnaround playing Myer on Tuesday. Hopefully we heal up quick and give them a game.”
Sir Winston Churchill head coach Peter Perron described the match as a good, hard-fought game.
“What got us in the end was that we turned over the ball about eight times. I give GFESS full credit in that their offence grinds the time off the clock and if you don’t take care of the ball you may not see it for a significant time later. They are worthy of a 4-0 record.”
Perron was pleased with the play of his offensive line.
First place and home-field advantage in NRHSAA Tier 1 action will be on the line Tuesday at 3 p.m. when the A.N. Myer Marauders (4-0) host the Gryphons.
GOLDEN EAGLES 25 HORNETS 13
The Thorold Golden Eagles improved to 2-1 in NRHSAA Tier 2 action with a 25-13 victory over the Stamford Hornets (1-2).
Leading the way for the Golden Eagles were: Tyrese Gibson with 90 and 10 yard TD runs; Will Sargeant with a 22-yard TD reception from Kaleb Locatelli; Braiden Genest with an 80-yard run and a one-yard TD run; Garet MacPherson with a convert; and, Gibson and Genest who had more than 150 rushing yards.
“The run game won us the game. Tyrese and Braiden were outstanding and the O line stepped up. First half was fantastic with O and D playing to their abilities which led to an 18-0 lead,” Thorold head coach Duane Kemp said. “In the second half, the mistakes crept in. Unnecessary penalties and mental mistakes let Stamford back in and to their credit, they never quit and they capitalized on our miscues. Our defence stepped up in the last minute to stop Stamford on a huge third down to save the W. The community really comes out and supports us so it’s always nice to get a win for them. Next (this) week will be another tough test against a strong Eden team.”
Scoring majors for the Hornets were Haruto Marceline on a 60-yard and Kade Martin on a four-yard run. Martin’s touchdown was his first.
“We are getting better,” Stamford head coach Brad Martin said. “We have a young team, so it takes time.”
