#CFCHSFB PREVIEW (ONT – PEEL): Tigers to be tested early in matchup against CFC#8 Spartans

 

After a strong opening performance against St Joan of Arc in their season debut, CFC#8 Lorne Park Spartans will travel to St Francis Xavier to try and earn their second victory of the season against the Tigers.

The St. Francis Xavier Tigers have spent the last two seasons playing their football in ROPSSAA Tier 2. In 2014, the Tigers captured the Tier 2 Championship and were promoted into Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association’s (ROPSSAA) top tier.

Now the Tigers will make their 2015 and Tier 1 debut in front of the homecrowd on Friday,October 2nd. They will be tested early on as they prepare for their match up against the 1-0 Spartans.

In week 1, the Spartans travelled to St. Joan of Arc and defeated the Angels. With Week 2 being another road game for the Spartans, defensive back Sean Cotter says the team’s approach to this game is to be prepared and remain focused on performing their best in any situation.

“We really try to focus on coming out ready for war in any environment, home games or away games, we strive to play our best,” said Cotter.

Spartans' prac2

During the off-season, Spartans Head Coach Scott Price made the point to his team that a better start to the season is imperative to their success.

β€œFootball is a game where you need a short memory,” said Price. Β “Whether you made a great play or bad one, that’s not going to relate to the next play unless you have complete focus on the next play.”

“That’s the way it’s got to be for the next game, cause one and o can turn into one and one real quick.”

Cotter has noted how important the victory in Week 1 is for the team’s confidence moving forward.

“The first win for us was a really big motivator for the team,” added Cotter. Β “It just sets us off on the right path to continue dominating without letting up for the rest of the season.”

The Tigers are the great unknown in Tier 1 football, as preparing for them will be a tricky task for the Spartans. The Tigers have not played in ROPSSAA Tier 1 for two years. As well, the Tigers had a bye in Week 1, so tendencies and an in-depth scouting report will not be readily available to the Spartans as they prepare for their next opponent.

Despite these disadvantages, coach Price understands that this match up is another big game on the road.

β€œWe have played some really great games with them over the years,” added Price. Β “We know they have kids that are going to show up and battle, plus they are a physical group.”

“For them, it’s their home opener, plus they didn’t have a game last week so Iβ€˜m sure they had us on the radar for a while now. This Friday, we need to come out and match their hunger level.”

 

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