Spears winless against Burlington
An up and down game Saturday resulted in a 42-21 road loss by the Niagara Spears varsity football team to the Burlington Stampeders in Ontario Summer Football League action.
Niagara’s record now sits at 1-6.
“We had some really good moments but we couldn’t capitalize on them and we had some really poor moments; 21 points in the fourth quarter due to penalties that placed Burlington on our four-yard line,” Spears head coach Brian Duguay said. “We continue to give up a quarter with mental lapses in all three aspects of the game that all adds to a huge benefit to our opponents. If we could play 48 minutes and cut our mistakes in half, the outcome could be better.”
The game had a lot of turning points. Burlington led 10-0 after one quarter and 18-6 at the half. Niagara outscored the Stampeders 14-3 in the third quarter but that is as close as the Spears would get.
Top offensive performers were: Justin Savoie with 17 carries for 102 yards, including one-yard and two-yard TD runs; Jackson Stewart who was 12-21 passing for 110 yards, including and eight-yard TD pass to Jack Wilson, and three carries 31 yards; and, Quinn Johnston with 54-yard and 15-yard receptions and a two-point convert on a pass from Stewart.
Top defensive players for the Spears were: Raydon Gouthro Selman with four solo tackles, two assisted tackles, a tackle for a loss, an interception and one knocked down pass; Jacob Ranger with three solo tackles, two assisted tackles and a batted down pass; and, Kaylen Azem Simmons with two solo tackles and four assisted tackles.
The Spears host the Oakville Titans Saturday at 8 p.m. at Kiwanis Field.
BURLINGTON 29 JV SPEARS 9
The Niagara JV Spears dropped a 29-9 road decision to the Burlington Stampeders last Saturday.
“We played well but we just had trouble capitalizing on our opportunities but we hope to rebound this week with a win against Oakville on Saturday and finish the regular season at 3-3,” head coach Brad Martin said.
Niagara’s OSFL record is now 2-5 but the first two games of the season, both losses, only count as tiebreakers.
Niagara’s lone major came on a five-yard run from quarterback Austin MacRae and the defence pitched in with a safety. Liam Finley had seven receptions for Niagara.
The Spears host Oakville Saturday at 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Field.
BURLINGTON 33 BANTAM SPEARS 14
The Niagara Spears bantam squad is now 1-5 in OSFL regular season action following a 33-14 road loss to the Burlington Stampeders.
“The Spears’ offence started the game off slowly failing to manufacture any firsts downs in the first half and compounded its offensive struggles with a pick six interception TD early in the first quarter,” head coach Austin Huh said. “Conversely, the Spears’ defence also experienced difficulties stopping Burlington’s vertical passing game in the first half of the game.”
Niagara’s starting quarterback Andrew Hurrle was knocked out the game in the second quarter. Lox Raducanu stepped in and threw a pair of second-half TD passes to Owen Saunders. Niagara was able to establish a running game in the second half and the defence didn’t allow any points.
Playing well for Niagara on defence were: Tristan Herbert with three solo tackles, two assisted tackles and a tackle for a loss; and, Calum Moore with five solo tackles.
Leading the way on offence were: Saunders with 78 yards receiving and two TDs; Josh Gauslin with 41 yards rushing; and, Raducanu with 78 passing yards.
“The Spears will build on the positives from this week and take on the Oakville Titans next week at home,” Huh said.
Niagara hosts the Oakville Titans Saturday at 11 a.m. at Kiwanis Field.
