#CFC50 Games of the Week (Ontario) RECAP [Playoffs]: Some long standing streaks end as Ontario sees a new crop of contenders emerge

We will be covering the #CFC50 Games of the Week for Ontario. While this will be generally geared towards the #CFC50 ranked teams, we want to hear from you if there are great rivalry games or exciting matchups, regardless of tier or division, that we aren’t aware of. Send us a ‘heads up’ by TUESDAY each week and we’ll see what we can do: [email protected].

*Note: Some information was not available at press time. It will be added as it becomes available.

….and now let’s get to it with this week’s #CFC50 PLAYOFF games RECAP

Feature photo courtesy of Gord Bowes/Hamilton News

No. 1. W. F. Herman Green Griffins (8-0) v.s No. 18. Holy Names Knights (6-2)
WECSSA Finals
Staring down a 17-3 deficit after three quarters, and with their 8 year reign over the WECSSA division hanging in the balance, Herman proved why they are worthy of our number one ranking as they stormed back in the final frame to steal a 25-17 victory away from Holy Names. It’s a shame that one of these team’s seasons had to end, because for three quarters Holy Names showed that they have no issues hanging around with the best in the country – but football can be a cruel creature. It was all Knights from the opening kickoff as #CFC100 Inho Choi put together a gutsy performance scoring on a 19 yard touchdown run, which was then followed up by a six yard touchdown scamper by Zach Herzog. A stalemate ensued deep into the third quarter, when all of a sudden Dante Lewis flew by defenders for a 71 yard touchdown run 55 seconds into the fourth quarter, shrinking the Knights lead to single digits. It didn’t take the Griffins long to erase the gap completely as Branden McCraney punched in another seven yard touchdown run just five minutes later, setting up a race to the finish with under ten minutes remaining. Both teams traded possessions trying to break the tie, when finally Griffins’ quarterback Michael Beale hooked up with #CFC100 Quintin Seguin down the middle for a massive gain, setting Herman up within striking distance. Beale had no plans of letting the streak die on his watch, eventually hitting Kaine Stevenson for a 18 yard touchdown pass to take the lead with just 1:20 left on the clock, and ultimately their ninth straight division title. Special mention should be made to Seguin and Herzog, who both played instrumental roles for their respective teams in this one.

No. 3. A. N. Meyer Marauders (6-0)
Bye week

No. 6. Cardinal Newman Cardinals (7-1) v.s No. 17. St. Thomas More Knights (8-1)
HWCAA Finals
After knocking on the door for several years in the HWCAA finals, St. Thomas More was finally able to burst through with a huge 30-14 win over the defending champions Cardinal Newman. The story in this one was quite simple, and unfortunately Newman couldn’t figure out the answer all day. Running behind a menacing offensive line, #CFC100 Michael Chris-Ike torched the Cardinals’ defence for 304 yards and four touchdowns, including a 64 yard rip late in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. After conceding a 14-6 lead heading into halftime on a sneaky running back option pass by Ethan Bastarache to Tyler Bridgeman, the Knights defence completely shut down the Cardinals in the final two frames, which is a feat that no team has been able to do accomplish all season. Luckily for Newman, this is not the end of the road just yet as they now get ready to take on the #CFC50 Nelson Lords in the GHAC semifinals, while St. Thomas More get ready to face off against #CFC50 Holy Trinity.

No. 9. Huron Heights Warriors (8-0) v.s No. 38. St. Maximilian Kolbe Mustangs (6-2)
YRAA Finals
St. Max gave it all they had, but once again it wasn’t enough as Huron Heights walked with a 21-7 victory and the YRAA championship trophy. It was tough sledding for the offences all day long as both teams came prepared with some hard nosed defence, leaving the score tied at 7-7 heading into the break after #CFC100 Danny McWhirter returned an interception to the end zone for a Warriors’ touchdown. After connecting with Nolan Lovegrove for a major early in the second quarter, quarterback Ben Langlois and the Mustangs’ offence was completely stalled in the second half, while on the other side Huron Heights’ quarterback Colin Grant was able piece together a couple drives that would eventually decide the game. The first of the two daggers came early in the third quarter as Grant powered his way across the line for a three yard touchdown, while the second came late in the fourth quarter as the game’s MVP Aiden Mielczarek dashed 25 yards to the end zone to cap off the victory. Huron Heights now prepare to pack their bags for Hamilton and a shot to compete in the OFSAA Western Bowl.

No. 11. Jacob Hespeler Hawks (9-0) v.s No. 42. St. David Celtics (7-3)
CWOSSA Semifinals
I’d be willing to bet that Darrian Morgan is still smiling. In a game that was surely a thriller for all who attended, it took a last second 41 yard field goal by Morgan to send Jacob Hespeler to the CWOSSA finals with a 34-31 victory over St. David. This game was a barn burner from the start as the Hawks built an early 14-0 lead on touchdowns by Chris Whal and Jackson White, but the Celtics didn’t back down, answering with a 69 yard touchdown pass from Justin Henderson to Daire Newbrough to cut the lead to seven. Later in the second quarter, White would find Xavier Pineda for a 54 touchdown strike, sending Hespeler into halftime with a tight 21-14 lead. St. David did all they could to make Hespeler uncomfortable in the second half, eventually taking a 10 point lead on touchdowns by Daniel Stirling and Nathan Hehn plus a field goal by Henderson, but facing real adversity for the first time all season, Hespeler made sure they had an answer of their own. After White managed to tie the game up with a touchdown in the final minutes, that’s when Morgan stepped into the hero role, knocking down the 41 yard game winning field goal with no time remaining for the Celtics’ to reply. Hespeler now must regain their focus as they prepare to take on #CFC50 Guelph CVI in the CWOSSA finals.

No. 12. Nelson Lords (8-0) v.s No. 34. Holy Trinity (6-2)
HSSAA Finals
Conventional wisdom tells you that six turnovers is a death sentence in football, but it simply wasn’t enough for Holy Trinity as they fell 28-15 at the hands of the Nelson Lords. The Titans got the scoring festivities kicked off early in the second quarter taking a 6-0, but that would be the final time they’d enjoy that feeling as the Lords wasted no jumping in front 7-6 on a one yard plunge by quarterback Jared Currie. On the next Nelson possession, Zach Ihasz capped off a lengthy drive with a three yard major to increase their lead to 14-6. Despite Holy Trinity having multiple chances to get back in the game, additional touchdowns by Willy Corby and Jake Mitchell, along with some stellar play on defence would eventually clinch the victory, and Nelson’s first division title since 2011. Standouts on defence for the Lords were Ben Cowman and Connor Graham, who will need to be on their A game once again this week when they take on #CFC50 Cardinal Newman in the GHAC semifinals. As previously mentioned, the season isn’t over by a long shot for Holy Trinity, who get a second chance in the other GHAC semifinal versus #CFC50 St. Thomas More.

No. 13. Catholic Central Crusaders (8-0) v.s St. Joseph’s (5-3)
LDA Finals
It was much closer than many thought it’d be, but Catholic Central got the job done in a 22-14 victory over St. Joseph’s in the LDA finals. It looked bleak early with injuries wreaking havoc and St. Joseph’s jumping out to a 7-0 lead, but under the steady guidance of quarterback Jake Beukeboom, the Crusaders kept their cool. Beukeboom scored in the second quarter to tie the game up at 7 apiece, then after a #CFC100 Daniel Valente interception and two field goals later, Beukeboom ran in another in the final quarter which would end up being the game winner. The fight that St. Joseph’s put up may be a blessing in disguise for Catholic Central, who now prepare for their toughest test yet in a #CFC50 showdown with the South Lions in the WOSSAA finals.

No. 14. South Lions (8-0) v.s 41. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Rams (7-1)
TVDSB Finals
There would no denying the South Lions on this day as they once again dominated from start to finish in a 35-0 mercy victory over the previously unbeaten Sir Wilfrid Laurier Rams. This looked like it may be a tight contest after one quarter with South leading just 7-0, but a touchdown by Nick Morello opened up the scoring in the second quarter, which eventually led to a 31-0 lead after quarterback Ethan Martin punched in another major to end the half. When all was said and done, the Lions racked up 47 points despite the scoreboard already being shut off, sending them into the WOSSAA finals full of confidence as they brace for a collision with #CFC50 Catholic Central.

No. 19. Denis Morris Reds (9-0) v.s St. Paul (7-2)
NCAA Finals
It was a complete team effort by the Denis Morris Reds who blanked St. Paul in the NCAA finals in a 30-0 shutout victory. While the final score indicates a blowout, this game was actually quite close with the Patriots finding themselves down by just 7 at halftime, but with some massive plays by quarterback Travis Arp and two-way star Austin Pilato, the Reds were able to step on the gas in the second half to run away with the trophy. Plenty of Reds got in on the scoring action with Owen Wallace hauling in a pair of touchdown passes from Arp, Mike Domanico adding a one yard rushing major, along with two safeties that were forced by Symphorien Ilunga and Latrell Harris. Dylan Warnock also had a spectacular day snagging two interceptions to go with six catches for 45 yards on offence. Exam time has come early for Denis Morris now, who will face off against #CFC50 A.N Meyer in the SOSSA East championship game.

No. 21. Etobicoke Rams (7-0) v.s Downsview (4-4)
TDSB Semifinals
Nasty defence and a tough running game. That’s the formula Etobicoke has used all season long, and once again it proved successful as they dismantled Downsview 28-0 in the TDSB semifinals. Led by Justice Allin who scored three rushing touchdowns, and Samuel Conteh who added another, then coupled with the talents of quarterback Max Melville and #CFC100 Keegan Dicks, the Rams are a team that nobody wants to see on their schedule as they head in the championship game versus Lawrence Park.

No. 24. St. Marcellinus Spirit (8-1) v.s St. Marguerite d’Youville (5-4)
ROPSSAA Finals
It was all Spirit in this one as St. Marcellinus claimed their first division title since 2009 with a 33-14 win over St. Marguerite d’Youville. Fans were treated to a three touchdown clinic put on by Kevin Wong for St. Marcellinus, who found themselves up comfortably 23-0 at halftime. The Spirit staved off a second half surge by the Panthers with the aid of an additional touchdown by Zaid Malik, and a pair of interceptions by Martin Iyambo and Bradley Blake. St. Marcellinus now set their sights on Tim Hortons Field and shot to hoist the OFSAA Golden Horseshoe Bowl.

26. Superior Heights Steelhawks (10-0)
OFSAA Northern Bowl Finalists

No. 27. St. Joan of Arc Knights (7-1) v.s Bear Creek (8-2)
GBSSA Finals
All dynasty’s have their end, and unfortunately for St. Joan of Arc it was their time to fall as #CFC50 Bear Creek took out the four time defending champions in a 21-15 upset victory. Bear Creek made sure to take the first swing in this contest, setting the Knights back on their heels with an early touchdown run by Jack Malo to give them a 7-0. Predictably, St. Joan of Arc answered as they always do with a touchdown by quarterback Justin Winn, followed by a single to take a 8-7 lead. The Kodiaks then replied with two touchdowns connections between quarterback Josh Cook and Tyler Pool before the half ended, putting the Knights in a very unfamiliar position with just two quarters to turn their fortunes around. Ish Sookwah did his best to help the cause cutting the deficit to 21-15, but Bear Creek dug in their claws late to secure the massive victory. Bear Creek have now earned a chance to display their talents in Hamilton as a participant in their regional Simcoe Bowl.

No. 32. St. Roch Ravens (7-1)
Season complete

No. 33. St. Matthew (6-1)
OFSAA Metro Bowl Finalists

No. 47. North Park Trojans (7-1)
Season complete

No 48. St. Charles Cardinals (8-1)
Season complete

No. 49. Sir Allan MacNab Lions (8-1) v.s Saltfleet Storm (5-4)
HWDSB Finals
In their first appearance on the list this year, Sir Allan MacNab earned another championship for their trophy case as they cruised to a 40-17 victory over Saltfleet in the Hamilton public finals. Cruise control wasn’t put in place until the second half, however, as the Storm found themselves leading 17-14 at the break. Powered by the outstanding play of quarterback Quincy Vaughn who totaled four touchdowns on the day, the Lions put together a 26 point second half to overcome the adversity and raise their second banner in three seasons. MacNab also saw Markus Allan, Erick Faubert and Jack Moren find the end zone, which is a microcosm of the complete team effort they will need this week when they take on McKinnon Park in the SOSSA West finals.

 

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