CISAA: Upper Canada College wins at Ashbury

Although the game did not change the CISAA playoff picture, it was either team’s last chance to improve their regular season records and prepare for the upcoming playoffs.

The game was controlled by the UCC Blues and they were determined not to give Ashbury an inch on the playing field. It was a particularly well-played game for UCC, as their regular offensive standouts did not make the trip to Ashbury. All-stars no. 33 Pelle Jorgen, reviver no. 84 Marc-Andre Alexandre and no. 19 Chris Amoah did not play last Saturday. “Obviously we would have liked it if they were there”, says UCC head coach Dave Shaw. “But it gave our players who haven’t had a lot of chances an opportunity to play”.

Like many games this season, the UCC offense played extremely well. Receiver Luke Stevens had a great game scoring two touchdowns, including a 70 yard touchdown run after the pass. Meanwhile, running back David Cottingham was able to break out for a few significant runs to move the offense up the field. One of the best plays of the day went to Michael Bergman, who forced an Ashbury fumble, recovered the ball, and ran back for an UCC touchdown.

It is not just the UCC offense that is worth talking about. UCC’s defense consistently stopped the Colts on almost every drive. Their defensive line stands strong against any team in the league, and last week was no different. “It was probably our best game of the season”, says UCC coach Shaw.

UCC will need to take the momentum of this win into next weekend for the CISAA semi-final game against rival St. Michael’s College. The two played against each other only two weeks ago and it was St. Michael’s who won 27-20. UCC struggled with penalties and had two touchdowns called back that drastically effected the final score. UCC will need to watch their penalties to make sure every score counts. “We are preparing as best we can”, says Shaw. “We have been watching film every day, and we are pretty sure what they are going to do. After playing them already, if you can’t beat them once, well then they are just better”. The game will take place at St. Michael’s College at 1:30PM this Saturday.

Ashbury will be playing their semi-final game against the first place St. Andrew’s College. Ashbury finished the season with a 2-3 record. Although they lost to St. Andrew’s in week one 45-12, the playoffs may give Ashbury a renewed energy and with it the opportunity to take down the league’s best. The game will take place at St. Andrew’s College this Saturday at 1:30PM.