OVFL: Hamilton Ironmen squeeze out a win over Essex Ravens (video)

Last weekend’s matchup between the Hamilton Ironmen and the Essex Ravens lived up to its billing in a game which saw big plays, turnovers and second half comebacks. However, despite a late push from Essex, it was Hamilton who held on to win 25-23 in a very close contest.


Get outta my face! Ironmen WR Daniel Petermann reaches over a defender to make a difficult catch.

Ironmen quarterback Alex Hill had another great game, completing passes all over the field, while hitting wide receivers Daniel Petermann and Lucas Mancini for touchdowns. Head Coach Rob Underhill was once again pleased with his quarterback’s passing, but was even more impressed with his ability to extend plays.

“Alex did a great job managing the offense,” beamed Underhill, “he didn’t make any major mistakes and he used his legs at appropriate times to get us some big first downs.”

Running back Jason LeDonne also scored for the Ironmen off of a 4-yard run, set up by a big 29-yard reception from wide receiver Adam Felinzcak. According to Coach Underhill, big plays from Hamilton’s receiving core, along with some changed up front, proved to be the difference in the game.

“The addition of defensive linemen Lolli Josh and Melvin Baughan on the offensive line increased the success of our blocking schemes,” Underhill pointed out, “it helped that our receivers made big catches when they needed to.”

Kicker Dominic Bellardini rounded out the scoring hitting a field goal from 37 yards out, while slicing a 23 yarder just wide for a single.


Signed, sealed, delivered. Wide receiver Anthony Pizzuti goes up to make the catch.

While Underhill was happy with his team’s offensive performance, he was elated with the way that his defense played. Defensive backs Jeremy Kyei and Anthony Trabbucco each had one interception while rookie linebacker Santino Galo led the team with 7 tackles and 5 assists. Galo and the front seven did an excellent job bottling up the Ravens deadly running game.


Nowhere to go. Ravens running back tries to find some room with Melvin Baughan (90) in pursuit.

“The defense played hard silencing a prolific Essex run attack,” observed Underhill, “I also thought that [defensive back] Devon Joseph did a great job in coverage coming off the bench.”

To win a close game on the road against a difficult opponent like Essex is the kind of statement game that good teams can build on. Coach Underhill won’t let the guys get too ahead of themselves, but sitting at a perfect 2-0 isn’t a bad way to start the season.

The Ironmen are coming home this weekend to host the Brampton Bulldogs at Ivor Wynne Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Game time is scheduled for 4:00pm.

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

Leave a Reply

OVFL: Hamilton Ironmen squeeze out a win over Essex Ravens (video)

Last weekend’s matchup between the Hamilton Ironmen and the Essex Ravens lived up to its billing in a game which saw big plays, turnovers and second half comebacks. However, despite a late push from Essex, it was Hamilton who held on to win 25-23 in a very close contest. (more…)

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

Leave a Reply