NS: Phoenix Prove to Be Unstoppable

“This was a big win for us.“
Phoenix coach Jeff Lawley`s comments after his team`s decisive 36-23 win over the Sir John A MacDonald Flames in NSSAF league play last weekend.

“SJA is a very skilled and well coached team and we consider ourselves fortunate to come out on top of this contest,“ adds the Phoenix coach. “We know we will face them again down the road in playoffs.“

In the game,everything was going right for the Phoenix. Lawley says the whole team showed up and gave their full effort on the field.

“We played sound defense and allowed our offensive athletes to make plays,” says Lawley,whose Phoenix are now atop the league standings with a 3-0 record. The victory gives the Phoenix hosting rights during the playoffs.

Quarterback Derek Brown and wide receiver Adre Fraser were unstoppable. Fraser scored two touchdowns while Brown ran in the end zone for one in the Phoenix victory. Their magic on the field made it a long afternoon for the Flames defensive unit.

“They were both keys to our success to moving the ball,“ says Lawley and adds that both are great leaders on and off the field. “Derek is making a tremendous sacrifice for us playing QB as he is actually a receiver by trade.“

With great offense come great defense and the Phoenix showed why it is hard to get points from them. Their defensive unit put pressure on Flames quarterback Matt Shannon, and made it hard for running back Justin Stevens and receiver Mark Gaudry to move down the field.

A big part of that success was due to the play of defensive ends Jordan Redding and MaxFitzgerald.

“Both ends played a major role respectively,“ says the Phoenix coach. “Redding led the team statistically in tackles and sacks and Fitzgerald`s flexibility allowed our defense to provide some different looks.“

While many believe the Phoenix is unstoppable, coach Lawley says there is room for improvement. They know they will have to perfect their game, especially if they meet the Flames in the playoffs.

“The biggest issue we need to deal with right now is ball security as there were far too many turnovers,“ adds Lawley.

The Phoenix take on the Halifax West Warriors in league play on Sunday in Halifax.