#CFCHSFB (ONT-PEEL) Grizzles, CFC#13 Ravens get set to clash

The Suzuki Grizzles look to stay alive down the stretch as they gear up for the formidable CFC#13 St. Roch Ravens

With one game remaining on their regular season schedule, the David Suzuki Grizzles will travel to St. Roch in hopes of maintaining their playoff position.  The Grizzles are currently 2-2 and have put themselves in prime position to make the playoffs after winning their last two games to stay alive in the playoff hunt.  However, with d’Youville and Aquinas also having two wins respectively, the Grizzles will need a win against the Ravens to help them make the playoffs.

The Grizzles always get excited for any match up against the Ravens. Coach of the Grizzles Chuck Crabbe knows that this time around, this game carries extra weight because of what it could mean for the rest of the Grizzles’ season.

“The game against Roch is always a big deal for us because we’re very close geographically and we see them as a rival. As far as earning a playoff spot, that’s just extra motivation.”

David Suzuki Secondary will need to find a way to consistently put points on the board against the Ravens’ stout defense.  St. Roch has only given up one touchdown playing at home and has shut out the opposition in two of their three games this season  On the other hand, the Grizzles offence did find some momentum last week against Mayfield, as they were able to score 30 points.  Now the Grizzles are hoping the groove they hit offensively will carry over into their final game of the regular season.

The Ravens are coming into Week 5 looking to resume what they accomplished throughout the first three weeks of the season.  The Ravens currently sit 3-0 and occupy the top spot in the ROPSSAA North.  Now with two games remaining on the Ravens’ schedule, St. Roch will look to continue where the team left off in aiming for the well within reach top spot in ROPSSAA North.

Co-Head Coach of St. Roch Jonathan Beresford welcomed the mid-season break last week becasue he believes it is good for the team.  However, Beresford knows his Ravens have to keep the intensity high the rest of the way.

“Sometimes the mind and body deserve a little break. Today is a perfect example, we came back focused and ready to go.  I think we made the right decision last week in resting some bodies and getting guys healthy. Rest is an important part of getting through the regular season in one piece and preparing for the playoffs.”

St. Roch has found a great balance in both their offence and defense this season.  The Ravens has averaged 36 points per game while only allowing their opponents to average less than three points. Co-Head Coach of the Ravens Neil Majoros believes this is due to; team speed, guys executing on their assignments and their play-makers producing at a high level.

Now well rested after the long weekend and taking their bye in Week 4, the Ravens will look to put the finishing touches on what has been a strong campaign for coach Jonathan Beresford, Neil Majoros and their senior boys.