Edge of Victory

OVFL: JV Grenadiers on edge of victory

KINGSTON, ON. – Saturday, May 25, 2013: The junior varsity Limestone District Grenadiers opened up the 2013 Ontario Varsity Football League season with a tough loss against the Newmarket Bucs.

The first fifteen minutes of the game the offensive line was anything but productive. As the saying goes; one-step forward, two steps back. It seemed as though anytime they managed to move the ball forward a yard or two, the offensive line was pushed back or they were flagged for 15-yard penalties.

It wasn’t until the early stages of the second quarter when the Grenadiers finally saw some momentum come their way. After acquiring a two-point safety within the first two minutes, the offensive line put the team back in contention with two unanswered touchdowns. Quarterback Tanner Dejong connected with tightend Drew Holmes for a 6-yard-pass and a 26-yard pass to wide receiver Tim Bonsall.

The Newmarket Bucs tried to convert one of their own possessions with a last second play pass. However, Grenadiers defensive back John Forsythe found himself between the ball and the intended receiver. Picking up a 24-yard interception before being taken down.

The Grenadiers found themselves down by two points 17-15, marking the midway point of the game.

Despite the numerous five and 10-yard penalties handed out to the Bucs, the beginning of the third quarter didn’t play well for the Grenadiers. A pass by quarterback Tanner Dejong was picked off by the Bucs’ defense. The ball was quickly fumbled but again recovered by the Bucs to secure possession of the ball.

Moments later Grenadiers linebacker Cameron Hebert broke through Newmarket’s defensive line. Stripping the ball from Newmarket quarterback Vince Luccisano at midfield. The Grenadiers quickly answered back and took the lead for the first time of the game. Dejong connected with wide receiver Devin Leblanc for a 44-yard pass touchdown.

At the end of the third quarter, the Grenadiers still found themselves to be trailing by two points, 24-22.

After the kick return, the Grenadiers defense let the Bucs offense pass-carry the ball from one end of the field to the other. They had one chance to have the ball turned over on a 4^th-and-10 but incurred a 10-yard penalty, giving the Bucs an automatic first down.

Nearing the five-minute mark of the 4^th quarter, linebacker Cameron Hebert recovered a Newmarket fumble. Resulting in a 16-yard touchdown pass to Drew Holmes, giving the Grenadiers a seven-point lead over the Bucs 29-24. In the next series of play for the Bucs, Hebert found himself in the right place again, recovering a second fumble of the game. Dejong connected on 2-of-3 passes for 12-yards to bring the ball in to the red zone, marking the ball at the 1-yard line. Dejong leaped over the Bucs defensive line to score, furthering their lead to 35-24 with 5:14 remaining in the game.

The Grenadiers didn’t stay in the lead long though. Newmarket quickly answered back with a score of their own, making it a two-point game.

With two minutes left in the game, most suspected Newmarket would opt for an on-side kick in an attempt to regain possession. Rather they opted for a deep kick down center. After a bouncing kick and a late recovery by Liam Smith on the kick-return, the Grenadiers found themselves deep in their own zone. After an intentional grounding penalty against Dejong and no forward movement on 2^nd & 3^rd downs, special teams came out to punt.

High winds didn’t help Hebert get any distance on the punt, pushing the ball back within striking distance for Newmarket. The Grenadiers defense weren’t able to hold back the Bucs. Newmarket quickly moved inside the red zone. With only 21.4 seconds remaining, the Bucs made one final rush for a touchdown. Regaining the lead and what ended as a final score of 39-35.

The Grenadiers travel to Birchmount Stadium on Saturday, June 1, 2013 where they will pound the gridiron against Toronto Thunder. Game time is set for 5:00pm. The senior boys game will be underway at 2:00pm.