CFC OVFL Game of the Week Preview: “We’re preparing for the playoffs right now”

The junior varsity Ajax-Pickering Dolphins of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) made a positive push towards the playoffs last weekend, with a 35-22 win over the York Simcoe Bucs.

Week 5 may seem a bit early, but the Dolphins are already focusing on the playoffs.

“We’re preparing for the playoffs right now,” said Jeff McConkey, head coach of the JV Dolphins.

McConkey has been preparing for the playoffs since Week 3. The early preparation paid off on the weekend against the Bucs. Kenan Clarke continued his hot streak, with an interception on defence, six first downs on six catches, one touchdown catch and a 93-yard kick return for a touchdown on the opening play.

While Clarke and the offence did it’s usual thing, McConkey was more impressed with the level of play from his defence. Most notably, linebacker Aiden Kruger had six solo tackles in the game.

“Kruger played amazing, really the whole defence stepped it up,” said McConkey. “Our defensive coaches have been incredible, and the boys have really responded to them.”

The Dolphins improved their record to 3-2 over the weekend. They now sit in fourth place in the Wettges Conference. Three spots below their upcoming opponent, the first place Cumberland Panthers.

“We expect technically sound football from them,” said McConkey.  “They have the best offence that we’ve seen in the league.”

“Maybe their long bus ride down here will give us a slight advantage.”

The varsity Dolphins will also welcome the Panthers to the Kinsmen Park field on Saturday. The Dolphins are coming off of a bye week that was welcomed by Head Coach Bert Smith.

“It let kids focus on their exams, and helped heal some injuries,” said Smith.

With a record of 2-2, Smith knows that there is still a shot at the playoffs.

“I think we have as good of a chance at making the playoffs as anyone behind the top two teams (Myers Riders, and Toronto Thunder),” said Smith. “We just need to dig down deep.”

Currently preparing for the 2-3 Panthers this Saturday, Smith knows he will see a fundamentally sound, well-coached team.

“I hope we get the win,” said Smith.

But he believes what’s standing in his teams way is not the opponent, but the Dolphins instead.

“We are our biggest challenge,” said Smith.

Both the junior varsity and varsity Dolphins will host the Cumberland Panthers on Saturday, with the junior varsity game starting at 4:00pm and the varsity game at 7:00pm.

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