CFC OVFL Game of the Week Preview: “I think it’s going to be hostile”

This past Saturday, both the Ajax-Pickering Dolphins varsity and junior varsity football teams of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) waved goodbye to any chance at a perfect season.  Both teams lost at home to the visiting Kingston Grenadiers but each had very different results.

The varsity Dolphins were blown up by the Grenadiers and lost 37-1. The Dolphins struggled to maintain possession as quarterback Raishaun Provo threw four interceptions in the game. He now has five on the season.

“Kingston was a better team on that day,” said varsity Dolphins Head Coach Bert Smith. “They moved the ball and used their size on us.”

Smith also noted that some of his players missed half the game because they were writing their Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).

Next up for the varsity Dolphins is the Toronto Thunder. The Thunder is also coming off of their first loss of the season as they fell to the Metro Toronto Wildcats 10-7 the previous week.

“I expect a great contest,” added Smith.  “It’s a local rivalry.”

“Many of the boys know players on the Thunder.”

Although he might not know the other teams’ players, Smith does know what they will look like.

“They’re going to be Thunder,” said Smith.  “They’ll be big and fast.”

The junior varsity Dolphins had a much closer score against the Grenadiers but were still edged out 31-28.

The Grenadiers scored in the final minute to take the lead on a pass that was originally called offside but after officials talked amongst themselves, the play was ruled a touchdown.

“The refs had an effect on the outcome of the game,” said junior varsity Dolphins Head Coach Jeff McConkey. “But that was only one aspect.”

“Kingston ran the ball on us very well.”

Wide receivers Robert Carmichael and Kenan Clarke each scored two touchdowns for the Dolphins.

The junior varsity Dolphins will also be in Toronto on Saturday. McConkey is excited to see the foot speed this weekend.

“Both of these teams this weekend are going to love the speed,” said McConkey.

He is also preparing to enter rival territory.

“I think it’s going to be hostile,” said McConkey.  “It’s going to be something a little bit different for our guys.”

“The fans are in for a good one.”

Photo credit:  Ajax-Pickering Dolphins