OFC head coaches comments from week 4

Brampton Came up Short Against the Beefeaters
By Coleen Houlder Media Coordinator
During their fourth game as a team, Brampton Bears came up short as they lost 14 – 28 to the
London Beefeaters on Saturday, September 4th.

“It was clear that we were not as physically strong in all positions“ said head coach Houlder, as he admitted to being out-manned and out handled at the point of attack. Keeping up with the speed of the game does not seem to be an issue – the team loses the battle at the line of scrimmage. Defensively, they missed
assignments and tackles.
After scoring the first possession of the game, Brampton just couldn`t find their footing – truly a sign of a young and inexperienced team. Going forward, more players, time and community support will help to develop our players and help us to be a better team. The upside to it all – at least 80% of the Bears are young enough to be remain part of the time for the next two years.
Coach Houlder remained happy for London who obtained their first win of the season by executing their plan well.

Andy McEvoy Ottawa Sooners (PICTURE)
Head Coach
Another intense, bitter rivalry game between Ottawa and St Leonard. It doesn’t take much
to get either team to raise their intensity level whenever we face off against one another.
As intense as the rivalry maybe both teams have a mutual respect for one another and it is for this reason both teams know they have to bring their best game.
Both teams knew the importance of the game, in that a win by either side would give them the all important tie break and home field advantage during the playoffs.
The wind didn’t help either teams offense so it came down to which team could take advantage of their opportunities when they had the wind. We were good in the first quarter with the wind but didn’t help ourselves in the 3rd quarter.
We were able to run the ball with success but the combination of St Leonard’s DBs and the wind made it tough for us to have an effective passing game.
Ultimately what did us in was the turnover battle. When you end -5 in the turnover battle, that is a tough hole for any team to over come. On the defensive side of the ball other than 3 plays they did a great job shutting down a very athletic offense.
We will go back watch film and continue to improve on the areas we need to, build on our successes because there is a four way tie for first place and we play Burlington at home this week, obviously a much improved team from last year with some very athletic players in the skilled positions.

Craig Davoren Burlington Braves
Head Coach
As I stated at the start of the season I felt this year was going to be tight. 4 teams tied for 1st
shows that. Our next 3 games are are against 2 of those teams. It’s already a playoff
atmosphere in the OFC. Braves are rested and ready for the second half of our season. These
tough games will put our character on display. We need to keep working and get better
every game. I am excited, and I know my squad is also!

Mike Lachance Windsor AKO Fratmen
Head Coach
Hamilton is a quality team and does not make alot of mistakes….we unfortunately do
and teams are taking advantage of those mistakes.
We are not good enough to look ahead to the playoffs….we are taking things one game at a time and putting all of our efforts into playing London in 2 weeks…..whatever happens after that happens.
It is frustrating right now because it seems we find new and creative ways to beat ourselves lately.

Jason Hayes Hamilton Hurricanes
Head Coach
On Saturday the wind played more of an effect on the scoreboard then the defences. Teams
were able to move the ball but could not get into the end zones.
We are expecting another tough battle this weekend with London. They are a well coached team and have improved each week. We hope we can control their running attack on Friday.

Jeff Rached St Leonard Cougars
Head Coach
TT – A 16-12 victory over Ottawa gives the Cougars the tiebreaker over the Sooners.
This was an important victory for our club as we knew the implications of what a win would do
for our position in the standings. It was a hard fought game where both defenses were giving up little to the offenses. However our offense was able to take advantage of turnovers caused by our defense with good field position and put scores into the hot zone. As well our kicking game in combination with the wind became an offensive opportunity as well which our punter handled extremely well.
TT – There are now 4 teams tied at the top of the OFC standings with 3-1 records.
Just goes to show the parity in the conference and the importance of not taking any team lightly. I think it will be tight at the top of the conference for the rest of the season.
TT – Three of your last 4 games are against 2 of these teams, home & home with Burlington and @ home against Hamilton.
More extremely important games with teams tied with us with the 3 and 1 record. Each team knows the importance of these games and will bring their A game to the field. The opportunity to finish in first place for playoffs is what is at stake here. It is much easier to win at home than compared to when you travel on the road. These games are already have a feel playoff games.
TT – Next Saturday night you travel to Brampton for your only meeting with the first year Bears.
I think the Bears are a dangerous team that is well coached and extremely hungry for their first win. We will not take
them lightly.

Team Record Home Away PF PA Pts
Burlington Braves 3-1 1-1 2-0 90 50 6
St Leonard Cougars 3-1 2-0 1-1 102 63 6
Hamilton Hurricanes 3-1 1-1 2-0 64 41 6
Ottawa Sooners 3-1 2-0 1-1 88 83 6
Windsor AKO Fratmen 1-3 0-2 1-1 75 79 2
London Beefeaters 1-3 0-2 1-1 55 113 2
Brampton Bears 0-4 0-2 0-2 52 97 0
Four on