#CFCHSFB Preview (ONT-Peel): Rematch of 2014 final between the Spirit, Spartans could decide top spot in South

 

With first place in ROPSSAA South potentially on the line, Week 4 will feature Lorne Park and St. Marcellinus as they square off in the teams’ first meeting since the 2014 championship game.

The Lorne Park Spartans head into Week 4 undefeated with still much work to be done as their southern Peel rivals bare down on the Spartans before the conclusion of the regular season.  Lorne Park has won three games in a row, including their latest victory the Spartans secured against Meadowvale in Week 3.  With this game being the last game for Lorne Park before they enter their bye, the Spartans will look to take care of business before they get their mid-season rest.

With the long weekend that just passed and another game before their bye, Head Coach of the Spartans Scott Price knows his team cannot take their foot off the gas despite all the positives they have gained.  “We’ve taken steps in the right direction, but we have two big games to finish the season with, starting with a rematch of last year’s championship.  But now we’re back to work today with our sights set on playing a really good game on Friday.”

Despite leading the ROPSSAA South division, Lorne Park is only one win ahead of the visiting St Marcellinus Spirit and Mount Carmel Crusaders, who are 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.  Because the Spirit and Crusaders are within arms reach of the top spot in ROPSSAA South, this head to head matchup with St Marcellinus takes on even more importance as teams come down the stretch.  “With five regular season games, every one of them is going to be big.  With Marcellinus, they have always been strong competitors with us.  Now we have a chance to play them on our home field, so we want to put on a good performance against a team with their reputation,” says Price as his Spartans are receiving instructions from the coaching staff.

In Week 3 St Marcellinus made up for some disappointment they suffered in the previous week by taking car of St. Francis Xavier.  After the impressive showing last week, Marcellinus will head into Week 4 with plenty of motivation, as the Spirit will look to put together two wins in a row down the stretch of the regular season.  With a win against the Spartans, both teams would possess the same record at 3-1.

Head Coach for the Spirit Vinnie Saliba notes that there is always a process that needs to be taken in order to achieve the success you desire.  “You don’t want to be the best team in Week 2 or 3.  We’re trying to improve every week so we can give ourselves an opportunity to be there in the end.”

Aside from the potential ramifications this game can have on the standings, Marcellinus knows every game from here is important due to the short regular season.  With this in mind, coach Saliba will be looking to have his Spirit prepared for the tough matchup ahead.  “In ROPSSAA, because there are only five games, each one matters.  Every game is vital because there are only three playoff spots for six teams.  With Lorne Park, they are the defending champs and everyone is gunning for them.  However, we have to take care of what we have to do and try and make the playoffs.