Bantam, JV Spears fall to Hamilton

The Niagara Spears bantam football team came close to its first Ontario Summer Football League win of the season Saturday against the visiting Hamilton Junior Ti-Cats.

Trailing 14-12 heading into the final quarter after a failed two-point convert attempt, the bantams ended up on the wrong side of a 21-14 decision.

“It was another great game by the kids and I was very proud of how they played today,” Spears head coach Troy Herbert said. “It was a hard effort by our defence all around. We moved the ball on offence, struggled a few times in the red zone and couldn’t punch it in from the one-yard line one time. There were a couple of turnovers and a couple of costly mistakes but we were right there with one of the top teams in the league.”

The biggest progress Herbert is seeing is the overall effort put forth by his players.

“Everyone is putting in their 110 per cent every game.”

Asar McIntyre-Christie had both touchdowns for the Spears, including a 55-yard TD run. Niagara’s defence was lead by: Tamas Hunter; Spencer McRae with a fumble recovery; and, Austin Graham with a pair of fumble recoveries.

Next up for the Spears is a 1 p.m. Saturday road against the Scarborough Thunder.

TI-CATS 31 JV SPEARS 0

The Niagara Spears junior varsity team played well Saturday against the visiting Hamilton Ti-Cats but still ended up on the wrong end of a 31-0 score.

“As far as consistency and effort, it was our best game of the season,” Spears head coach Brad Martin said. “I think they are starting to get the systems and believe in themselves more.”

The Spears trailed 2-0 at the half.

“We had a very good half and then in the second half, we had three coverage busts. Other than that, the defence played well,” he said. “The offence looked better and moved the ball but once again it was mistakes at the wrong time. Every time this season we make a mistake, we really pay for it.”

Niagara has started the season with games against four excellent programs.

“When you get four teams like that right off the hop, there is not a lot of room for error,” Martin said.

Playing well for Niagara were receiver Lukas Goodbrand and Lucas Landry, Adam Skeldon and Nathan Vander Meer on defence.

Niagara has a bye this weekend.