Three Stampeder squads, undefeated, first place

Varsity Stampeders remain undefeated, move to first

The Burlington Varsity Stampeders moved their record to 6-0 with a convincing 31-13 win over the Hamilton Wentworth Panthers on Sunday.

“We ran the ball effectively today, as the offensive line blocked well for the three running backs. Our defence was stingy when it had to be.” said varsity head coach Neil Lumsden. “We played a tough opponent today, and fortunately our team is preparing better and getting stronger each week out”.

Burlington played a tight first half with touchdowns coming from Anthony Berry and Trevor Reid, on a pass reception. Randy Williams made a key interception which proved to be a momentum changer. Evan Short added a field goal. The Stampeders started off slow, and led 17-13 at the half.

The Stamps finally got on track in the third quarter as QB Will Finch found Brett Blasko with long pass of 40 yards to move the Stamps out from deep in their zone. Finch moved the offense forward, finding Blasko again, with a 35 yard touchdown pass. Blasko scored his second TD later in the quarter, as Burlington begin to pull away on the scoreboard.

Anthony Berry was a workhorse from the tailback position, scoring two touchdowns on the day. The Burlington offensive and defensive line play got stronger as the game wore on.

The Stampeders are home to second place and undefeated, defending champion Twin Cities Predators, who hold a 5-0-1 record, on Sunday, at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School at 6 PM.

Tier 2 Junior Varsity Stampeders looking for win

The Sarnia Sturgeons came out strong, scoring on their first three possessions on their home field Sunday July 11. The Stamps came back in the second quarter with score by quarterback Troy Downton to lead into halftime 21-7.

After the break, the Sturgeons scored another two, and the Stamps responded with a TD on a pass from Downton to Jonathon Howard., and combined with a two-point conversion pass to Connor Cooke. Both teams scored again in the fourth. The Stampeders’ score was with no time left on the clock as a result of a Sarnia penalty with another scramble by Downton. Marcus Critelli was good for both one-point converts.

“The boys didn’t have focus today.” said head coach Ken Looker, “We’re going to work hard and make sure fitness is not an issue for this team.”

The defence spent a lot of time on the field and had a big game from Jude Armson with seven tackles, Josh VanOvereem with six. Dustin Snider, Cole Masnaghi and Shakim Bennett each had four tackles.

On offence, Jonathon Howard rushed for 76 yards with 18 yards from passes, Downton rushed for 27 and Palermo for 23.

The Tier 2 squad falls to 0-6, has a bye week next week to regroup for their next regular season game against Toronto July 25.

An exciting week-end ahead will feature expected close matches between the first and second place teams in the varsity, junior varsity tier one divisions against the Twin Cities Predators. The bantam Stamps kick off the action against the Huronia Stallions at Notre Dame field at 1pm. These will be the last regular season games in Burlington. The championship games are slated for Kitchener-Waterloo.