BRANTFORD BISONS HAVE SUCCESSFUL WEEK-END TO OPEN SPRING SEASON

The Brantford Bisons opened the spring season on a succesful note with two teams winning their first game of the season and one losing a very close game in the Ontario Minor Football League during week-end action.

“It is great to finally get the spring season underway.” said Bisons President Don MacDonald. “The entire Bisons organization have been working hard since January to get ready for our games and I am looking forward to a succesful season.” he added.

Atom: Bisons 42 Etobicoke 0:
Coach Justin VanEvery had to be pleased with the way his team dominated the Etobicoke Eagles at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke, winning easily 42-0. The team dominated both sides of the ball, opened the scoring early and never looked back. The Atom’s began the game by establishing the run up the middle then mixed in some good outside running when the Eagles’ defense stacked the middle to stop the inside run. The Bisons defense stifled the Eagles at every turn, giving the offrense good field position on numerous occasions. “I was pleased with the effort of our team.” said VanEvery. “A long road trip to open the season is always a concern but the kids came to play and it showed on the field.”
The Atom Bisons next game is also on the road against the Mississauga Warriors on Saturday, May 29th at 11:00A.M. The game will be played at St. Marcellinus Catholic High School.

Peewee: Bisons 20 TNT 0:
The Bisons Peewee team had to travel all the way to Beeton, a two hour road trip, to open their season against the TNT Express at Mel Mitchell Sportsfield. Both teams had difficulty moving the ball in the first half as defense was the name of the game. The Bisons mixed in a good combination of running the ball and passing but just couldn’t get into the end zone until Quarterback Matt Krason finally opened the scoring on a nice QB Sweep to the right late in the second quarter.
The Bisons offense began to wear down the Express defense in the second half with some solid running up the middle by Fullback Jacob Cockerill and some timely catches by Tight End Curtis Rich Wide Receiver Kurtis Lowig. The Offensive Line opened up a nice hole for Wingback Bryan Kushner and Kushner punched it in for a touchdown in the third quarter. Loewig rounded out the scoring on a 15 yard run early in the fourth quarter. The Bisons defense took over from there, shutting down the Express’ offense at every turn. Cornerback Wade Thorne had an interception and a 80 yard return for a TD but it was called back on a penalty. Middle Linebacker Mike Krason was constantly putting pressure of the Express quarterback and caused two fumbles while Outside Linebacker, Jamal Chase, prevented any outside runs. Defensive Tackle Brydan McMahon ended a threat by the Express when he recovered a fumble at the Bisons 10 yard line.
The Special teams even got into the act with Bradley Ward recovering an on-side kick early in the third quarter.
“This game was a tremendous confidence boost for our players. The kids now know that they can play in this League against a very tough opponent.” commented head coach James Kelly. “The weather was hot and humid, it was a long way to travel but every player put in a great effort.” Kelly added.
The Peewee Bisons next game is against the Hamilton Steelers on Sunday, May 30th at 1:00P.M. The game will be played at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

Bantam: Ajax/Pickering 13 Bisons 6:
The Bisons Bantam was the last team to enter the spring season but this late start was not evident on the field. Playing at home at the Bisons Alumni Football Complex against the Ajax/Pickering Dolphins, the Bisons played like they have been together as a team for months, not weeks. This game was all defense with Brady Smith, Dave Andirin and Justin Robinsonleading the way with solid tackling and pursuit. The Bisons did manage to move the ball as the game went on and the offense began to gell as a unit. Great blocking by Jake Stoffelson and Luke Imre opened up some holes for Colten Dennis to run through. The Bisons were right in this game but just ran out time to pull off a win.
“I am very proud of how hard our players worked and as the game went on you could see glimpses of their potential. It was a great defensive battle and for one 15 minute period our offense controlled the game with some powerful running but we just couldn’t score enough points.” said head coach Ron Wilcock. “Our team will continue to improve as our players and coaches continue to maximize our strengths and improve on our weakness.” he added.
The Bantam Bisons next game is against the TNT Express on Sunday, May 30th at 1:00P.M. The game will be played at Mel Mitchell Sports Field.