CFC OFC Game of the Week Preview: BEARing Down for Week 2

With Week One of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC)season in the books, the Twin Cities Predators are getting ready for their first set of home games this Saturday against the Guelph Bears.

Coming off a frustrating tie against the Burlington Stampeders last week, the varsity Predators are looking for a win in Week 2.

“It is most important to get our guys working together and focusing on some areas we thought were weak,” commented Horn on the team’s preparations for the game.

The Preds are also looking to continue producing some impressive plays, such as Jaeden Herron’s two interception performance last week, playing at the free safety position for the first time. Additionally, defensive end Kirolos Milio as well as tailbacks Tre Nicholson and Mitch Kernick all played outstanding games. Horn hopes this will continue as the season goes on.

“Tre is the only guy who was with us last year so it was nice to see some rookies stepping up and making a difference,” added Horn.

The Bears won their first game against the Niagara Storm, but the Predators are ready for another challenge after the one the Stampeders presented to them the previous week.

For Week 2 and the duration of the season, the Preds’ focus will be to continuously improve while setting their sights on the league championship,

“The best thing for us is none of our players are rookies anymore they have been through the fire and are ready to produce at the high level we expect of them,” said Horn.  “I thought a few of our units were excellent and we will continue to work to make ourselves a championship football team.”

As for the junior varsity team, they too are also looking for a win in Week 2 after a loss against Stampeders. Coach Jim Macarthur says,

“We didn’t get the value of two exhibition games because of cancellations due to field conditions,” said junior varsity Head Coach Jim Macarthur.  “This left us in a deer in the headlights situation with no real game practice before coming out against the defending champions.”

In preparation for the Bears, the Predators are making sure to put a focus on communicating, reviewing and understanding the plays in practice this week, while addressing their lack of confidence.

“They never gave up;  they competed the whole way through,” added Macarthur of the team’s performance in Week 1.

Last week, there were some impressive plays such as interceptions by Daniel Lieu and quality kickoff returns from Elvis Sanchez.  The Predators hope to capitalize on these performances this upcoming weekend.

Despite losing the services of center Shane Hutchinson due to a concussion, Macarthur expects the junior varsity Preds turn in a better outing this week.

“They had good physicality and many opportunities and with last week behind us we have made some adjustments on defense and are much more prepared for this game against Guelph,” said Macarthur.