Bantam Generals advance to semifinals
The Niagara Generals bantam (under-14) football team opened the Ontario Summer Football League AA playoffs with a 26-8 victory over the Quinte Skyhawks.
“After an unbeaten record (8-0) during the regular season, it was time to start anew with the postseason,” coach Brian Maphar said. “It was another hot game day and just like last week, both teams struggled to get anything going on offence. Both defences held the opponent in check and the result was a scoreless draw after the first quarter.”
Niagara went ahead 8-0 in the second quarter, thanks to long catches by Isaiah Benjamin and Bishop Austin. Austin’s catch was for a TD from Rudy Somerville. Luis Corredor-Reyes added a convert to lead 8-0 at the half.
“The second half saw a continuation of the second quarter with the Generals being able to move the ball more than the Skyhawks,” he said. “Both defences halted drives before the other team could score.”
After trading interceptions — Issac Hiebert had the pick for Niagara — the Generals opened the fourth quarter with a TD pass to Mark Lazoryk from Sawyer Grant to go up 14-0. Niagara forced Quinte to punt on its next possession and Corredor-Reyes returned it 65 yards to put Niagara up 20-0.
The Skyhawks responded with a kickoff major to make the score 20-8 before Niagara closed the scoring when Evan Kramer grabbed a TD pass from Abraham Hiebert.
Niagara now hosts the Peel Panthers this Saturday at St. Catharines Collegiate at 11 a.m. in the league semifinals.
Editor’s note: All photos are courtesy of Colleen Mills.
