Due to a forfeit by the Niagara Storm varsity team this past weekend; the varsity Hamilton Hurricanes was able to stay undefeated without playing a snap. Even though they were able to add one more to the win column as they now look ahead to the always-tough Burlington Stampeders, Head Coach Rob Underhill would rather have played the game.
βItβs unfortunate because we lose reps,β Underhill stated. βThe only positive side is that we got to rest some guys healed up and ready for this week.β
With no week five game being played by the Hurricanes they now have two weeks between games which is causing some unrest with both players and coaches who canβt wait to get back on the field. When they do return to the field this Friday night it should be a great game as they take on two-time OFC champs since 2008 in Burlington.
βWe havenβt played in a bit so our guys are hungry, sometimes that little break adds fuel to the fire,β explained Underhill. βWe are looking forward to a very competitive game against the Stamps.β
The Stampeders should prove a tough test for the league leading Hurricanes.
With the added rest coming into this important week six matchup, Underhill said that he is looking forward to giving a large workload to his talented stable of running backs who should be extremely fresh with the added week off.
βThe game plan for this week is to really showcase our running game and the strength of our running backs,β said Underhill. βWe have never had a stable of running backs this talented before.”
“They realize that with a limited amount of touches they are all hungry to get those extra yards.β
The Hurricanes will be looking to utilize a balanced running attack in their pivotal week six matchup.
While the Hurricanes have been blessed this season with collection of strong and talented runner backs, it also makes for an added challenged for the coaching staff that has to find opportunities to feed each of them touches. Despite the challenge, it is certainly a problem that a coach does not mind having and also provides for a high level of internal competition that prevents anyone from becoming complacent with their role.
βItβs a problem getting them touches but sometimes itβs a good problem to have, you always have an opportunity to keep them fresh,β said Underhill. βBy having that many backs they understand that if they fall short of their assignment or the physicality that we need for our team to be successful, the next guy is waiting to get in.β
Note: The much anticipated match between the Hurricanes and Stampeders varsity squads is scheduled for 8:00pm at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hamilton instead of the usual St. Thomas More High School.
Photo credits: Β Jennifer Silvestri
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