In the third game of the day of the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) at TD Place, spectators were treated to a little bit of everything as the game morphed from a defensive slug fest into a fourth quarter for the ages. Ā The game pitted some of the best Junior Varsity players from all over Ontario against each other and the results did not disappoint.
Team East took the opening drive all the way inside the Team Central’s 10 yard line and looked as though they may score early. However, Team Central had different plans as they stymied Team East’s drive and took over inside their own 10.
Although, Team East’s offense could not punch it in, their defense was more than willing to open up the scoring as they shut Team Central down and forced them to concede a safety.
The move would work out well as Team Central gained field position and that would help their defense get the ball back. With room to work, Team Central’s offense found a burst of success as Rasheed Parker took one to the house late in the first quarter to make the score 7-2 in their favour.
The second quarter would shape up and be a great 15 minutes for defensive football fans. Sacks, bone jarring hits, and even an interception by Team East’s Aiden Ross.. Later, Team Central would concede another safety to make the score 7-4 for Team Central.
In the third quarter, there were no points were scored by scored by either team. Ā The frame was less bone jarring and there were less turnovers. Punters were on full display for this quarter.
The fourth quarter would open up with Team East finally finding the end zone on a nice catch by Willy-Pierre Dimbonji to put them up 11-7.
Moments later, on the ensuing Team Central drive, Team East defensive back and game MVP Kevin Nsabua intercepted a pass and took it all the way back to the end zone to put Eastern up 18-7 with 13:55 left in the game.
Team East’s defense continued its dominance as the fourth quarter went on, setting up a potential game winning field goal attempt. However, Team Central blocked the attempt and found itself with a chance to mount their own comeback.
The attempt was short lived as Team East’s defence would stand tall again. Ā Finally, Team East’s offence would wrap up the game with a Keon Willis touchdown to seal the victory with over a minute left in the game. Team East came out on top 25-7.
In his postgame assessment, Team Central Head Coach John Parkes gave props to Team East on their comeback win.
“Much respect to those guys (East),” said Parkes. Ā “They did what they had to do.”
Meanwhile, Team East Head Coach Brock Flemming was pleased with how the team responded to adversity in the game.
“It was just a matter of our guys buckling down” said Flemming. “It just shows what kind of team we are and I’m really proud of ’em.”
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- Kevin Nsabua poses with his coaches and CFC staff.
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