OFC: Wild game for the Panthers

The Hamilton Panthers suffered a 24-0 loss to the Nipissing Wild last Sunday, but it wasn’t for lack of effort.

Although the team didn’t manage to put up any points, they made it to the red zone four times during the game. Several interceptions, two fumbles, some bad plays and penalties took the game out of their hands.

“Offensively, we moved the ball at will,” said Panthers head coach, Gary Jordan. “Our production from our running backs was really good. Our quarterback was finding open receivers. It just came down to turnovers … When you turn over the ball that much, you’re not gonna win the game. It doesn’t matter who you play.”

That may be true, but in their next game, instead of the seventh seated Wild, the Panthers go up against the undefeated Twin City Predators. Jordan admits that it will be a challenge, but he has faith in his team’s abilities.

“The team’s ready,” he said. “Our team’s confident. We know we can play with a team like Twin Cities; we just gotta cut down on our turnovers. We know we can move the ball. We have a strong running game and our passing game is coming along, it’s been efficient in the last few weeks, and our defence is confident too.”

The game will certainly be a test for those abilities, as it wraps up the season. And, considering that the Panthers will likely face Twin Cities again in the first round of playoffs, it might provide some insight into the post-season.

“I’m sure our coaches are up to it,” said Jordan. “And our players are up to it. In order to win, you gotta beat the best and right now Twin Cities is the best. They are undefeated for a reason, but we’ll be up to that test.”