OVFL: Juggernaut Toronto Thunder too much for Varsity Wildcats to handle in Week 2 win

The Wildcats, riding a high off last week’s triumphant victory over Newmarket, came into this week’s game against Toronto oozing with confidence and swagger. That fire was quickly put out on Sunday as the Varsity Cats were thoroughly outmatched by the defending OVFL champion Toronto Thunder in a 32-7 rout.

Despite a valiant defensive effort in the first half, led by Tristan Doughlins’ two interceptions and a key stop on 4[SUP]th[/SUP] down at the goal line, the Wildcats trailed 11-7 at the break.

Defensive Coordinator Niiamoo Quarshie was content with his team’s defensive work not only in the first half, but throughout the game. “I was pleased with our player’s effort defensively. They showed a lot of character in keeping an outstanding back in Jayde Rowe in check.”

Rowe, an integral piece of the Thunder’s dominant running game, was kept in check by the Cats front seven limiting him to just one touchdown on the day.

The Thunder controlled the ball for the majority of the third quarter. A few key third down conversions kept the offense on the field and allowed Rowe and company to continue grinding out yards on the ground and keep the ball in Toronto’s possession.

The offense did all they could in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] quarter,but the Thunders defense continually showed blitz on quarterback Nikko Stamatis and forced an interception for a touchdown to end the game.

Coach Quarshie expressed to his players after the game the importance of limiting in-game errors. “I stressed to our players that mistake free football is how we will win in this league and we made too many at key points in the game that hurt us in our goal of defeating the defending OVFL champions.”

The Wildcats will look to use this game as a learning experience and hope to bounce back against the Myers Riders in Metro Toronto’s home opener on Saturday. Kick-off is at 1:30pm.