Week 6 of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) season showcases a matchup between the Adam Conference leading Essex Ravens (4-1) at home against the Cambridge Lions (3-1).
The Ravens have been on a roll since their Week 1 loss to Niagara Spears, winning four straight games moving them into the top spot in the Adam Conference and second overall in the league standings behind the Ottawa Myers Riders.
As for the Lions, the team has also been competitive this season. After earning three straight wins to start the season, the Lions suffered their first loss in a close overtime effort against the Spears in Week 5.
This is an important game for both teams. With a win, the Lions would match the Ravens record. Additionally, both teams would be tied at the top of the Adam Conference standings.
Ravens head coach Glen Mills understands the challenge ahead of his team.
“The Cambridge Lions are a top club in the OVFL and over the past few years have been extremely competitive,” said Mills. “They pass the ball very well and their defence is very good.”
Mills believes the team has what it takes to win against the Lions. However, in order to do so, the team needs to be successful in a few elements of their game.
“We need to be physical, limit the turnovers… and we also need to improve in the red zone,” said Mills. “We also need to be better mentally; at times we lack focus which often leads to penalties or breakdowns.”
The Ravens will also need another standout performance from quarterback Anthony Bontorin who has 9 passing touchdowns and 1092 passing yards this season.
“We expect Anthony to run the offense and continue to make great decisions,” added Mills. “Anthony completely understands what our game plan is and what we are trying to accomplish on each play.”
Defensively, the Ravens will look to Lowhya Lako to lead the charge on the line. Lako has recorded two assisted and six solo sacks. The lineman also has 26 solo and 15 asissted tackles this season.
The duel between the Ravens and Lions is set on Saturday June 27th at the University of Windsor. Kickoff is 7pm.
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