NS: Flames Preparing for Challenge to Extinguish Phoenix

“They are the champs and the road to the cup goes through them.”

That is how the Sir John A MacDonald Flames feel about the Citadel Phoenix as illustrated by head coach Alan Wetmore. Both teams are preparing for the “must-see” game of the season in the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League. It is set to take place on Sunday afternoon in Halifax.

November 2010 was the last time both teams met each other. In the provincial finals, the Phoenix defeated the Flames 45-7. Now, the Flames are looking to avenge that loss. As for the Phoenix, they also know the significance of this one single game.

“It’s a big game, ” says Lawley, who also adds that home field advantage in the playoffs is also at stake.

The Flames have been eagerly awaiting for this match-up since the start of the season.

“It is a game we pick out on the schedule and make plans to be thoroughly ready for,” comments Wetmore.

While the anticipation is building amongst the teams, the Flames do plan to use this game as a measuring bar.

“I think it is a big game for all of us,” says Wetmore. “You play a couple of games in the early season and you really don’t know where you match up amongst the better teams in the league.”

“Games like this give you a true indication of how good you really are. It is a test and a bench mark.”

In order to have any success on the field, the Flames know that they will have to stop numbers 6 and 8 from the Phoenix: quarterback Derek Brown, and wide receiver Adre Fraser.

“If we don’t stop them, we will run into a long afternoon,” adds Wetmore. “They are deep and good across the board so a smaller school has to play above themselves on that day to win.”

Along with Brown and Fraser, Lawley says he expects defensive ends Max Fitzgerald and Jordan Redding to help the Phoenix counter the Flames attack. Lawley says the Phoenix will be keeping their eye on Flames quarterback Matt Shannon, receiver Mark Gaudry and running back Justin Stevens.

The Phoenix have a plan of attack against the Flames.

“Play disciplined football and protect the football,” says Lawley.

Meanwhile, the Flames know what they have to do on the field: play their own style and do it well.

“We have our plays and philosophy and our focus is to get good at that,” explains Wetmore. “In football execution is what wins games and that is our plan, execute great.”

While this may be a rivalry on the field, the Flames have the upmost respect for the Phoenix players and coaching staff.

“Citadel is the standard we all live for and strive for,” states Wetmore. “Their win record, provincial titles and overall organization is very impressive and we know that it will take a special effort to overtake them.”

Wetmore wants to see how his team reacts to this challenge and what kind of high competitive level the players will show on the field. The Flames do plan to leave it all on the field and are not underestimating the importance of a win on Sunday.

“For them, beating us may be just another day on the field but for us, beating them is big,” says Wetmore. “We hope to give them everything we have got.”

(Photos from Scott Kirkpatrick [URL]http://www.stkphoto.com/ )