Spears fall in championship games, award winners
The Niagara Spears varsity football team saw its Ontario Summer Football League season come to an end last Saturday at the University of Waterloo with a 36-7 loss to the Burlington Stampeders in the K.J. Kenemy Memorial Cup.
The game was the B championship of the OSFL AAA league.
“I told the players at the beginning of the process (January) that we play in the toughest division. Three out of the four teams playing in both the A and B championship came from our division,” Spears head coach Brian Duguay said. “The game was going to be a roller coaster ride so I told them to enjoy it when we had the momentum but work their butts off when they felt that momentum shifting.”
Burlington led 12-0 after the first quarter and 22-7 at the half. Niagara’s lone score in the first half came on a 25-yard TD pass from Matt Murray to Joseph Martinelli.
“We were playing well but we dropped a couple of nice passes and blew two coverages that Burlington was able to capitalize on but we continued to fight.”
Following a scoreless third quarter, the Stampeders capitalized on turnovers to finish the game with a 36-7 victory.
“We were in the game only down by two scores and you have to try to capitalize on plays to get them back,” Duguay said. “ It wasn’t our night. I’m really proud of these players. They continued to fight and play hard right to the end and the class and sportsmanship they showed blew me away. I thank every one of them and the coaches after the game and wished them all the best in their future endeavours be it university football, CJFL, school or work and high school football. To the returning players, they need to fill these foot prints, make it better and remember we are family.”
Leading the offence for Niagara were: Murray who was 20-28 passing for 202 and a TD; Wesley Weins with 11 receptions for 120 yards; Martinelli with five receptions for 52 yards and a major; and, Henry Black with five carries for 20 yards.
Top performers for Niagara on defence were: Nick Jubenville with four solo tackles and one assisted tackle; Justine Savoie with four solo tackles and an assisted tackle; Devon Dulmage with two solo tackles and three assisted tackles; and, Noah Kugler with two solo tackles and two assisted tackles.
BANTAM SPEARS
The bantam Spears dropped a 20-18 decision to the Scarborough Thunder last Saturday at the University of Waterloo in the K.J. Kenemy Memorial Cup final.
“It was a hard-fought game by both teams that saw the lead change five times. Unfortunately, we came out on the wrong side of a 20-18 decision,” Spears head coach Troy Herbert said. “I was very proud of how the team played and represented the Niagara Spears at the championship weekend. The players gave it their all and left it all on the field and as coach you can’t ask for anything more from your players.”
Sparking the offence for Niagara were: Asar McIntyre-Christie with a 138 yards rushing on six carries, including a 65-yard touchdown run to start the second half; Angelo Chukwu with a three-yard rushing major; Spencer McRae with a four-yard touchdown run; and, Bennett Angle with four receptions from Loxdyn Raducanu.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to convert any of our touchdowns,” Herbert said.
Leading the way on defence were: McRae with five solo tackles and seven assisted tackles; Tamas Hunter with a solo tackle and eight assisted tackles; Kelvin Johnson with five solo tackles and one assisted tackle; Austin Graham with two solo tackles and six assisted tackles; Chukwu with three solo tackles; Channing Gearing with three solo tackles; and, Tristan Herbert with six assisted tackles.
“I would like to thank all the players for their hard work and my coaching staff and our support staff for all their hard work, support and dedication to developing the players,” Herbert said. “I would also like to thank the Niagara Spears’ executive for all its support and guidance during the season.”
SPEARS AWARDS
The Spears held their annual awards night at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre. Below are the winners.
Bantam (under-14) Spears: Angelo Chukwu, offensive MVP; Spencer MacRae, defensive MVP; Tamas Hunter, most improved; Austin Graham, lineman of the year; Tristan Herbert, Zack Duguay Award.
Junior varsity (under-16) Spears: Brody Payne, offensive MVP; Nathan VanderMeer, defensive MVP; Andrew Hurrl, most improved; Lucas Landry, lineman of the year; Ryan Hogen, Zack Duguay Award.
Varsity (under-18) Spears: Matthew Murray, offensive MVP; Noah Kugler, defensive MVP; Nick Jubenville, most improved; Ryan Broome, lineman of the year; Justin Savoie, Zack Duguay Award.
