Even Split

OFC:  The Sudbury Gladiators earned a split in weekend action against the Peterborough Wolverines.

The varsity Gladiators eked out a hard fought 22-19 win over the Wolverines.  Meanwhile, the junior varsity Gladiators had a tough time trying to contain the offensive power of the Wolverines.  Consequently, the team lost 32-7 to the opponents from Peterborough.

VARSITY:

The Sudbury Gladiators clawed their way back after a slow first half to beat the Peterborough Wolverines 22-19 in week one of OFC action.

“It was important for the club, especially with a young team,” said Gladiators head coach Brent Richer.  “It was good for them that they faced some adversity, stand up, take it, and overcome it.”

Both the Gladiators and Wolverines couldn’t move the ball in the first half and that lead to a 7-3 first half lead for the Wolverines.

With minutes left to go in the first half,  Head Coach Brent Richer switched quarterbacks, bringing in Hunter Holub for Aaron Campbell in the hopes of getting something going.

“We were coming out flat, we weren’t establishing what we wanted,” said Richer.  “It was because of the style of defense we were facing.”

“They were coming hot off the edges and sending eight and nine guys. Aaron is a pocket passer, and when you have that much heat on you, you want a guy who can move around a little bit. Hunter was able to give us a punch of energy and keep the guys going.”

While Holub was impressive,  Richer said that the starting quarterback position is still up in the air.  Ultimately, the starting pivot for the remainder of the season will be based on future match-ups.

This was Holub’s first senior action as he was a part of the junior squad last season.

The result was immediate as the Gladiators used the quarterback option play to begin to get the ball moving.

“We were hoping that (Christian) Battistelli and (Austin) Kirkey to get outside and take it,” said Holub.  “It was hard because the defensive ends, and linebackers on their team were really good, so they came really fast and it was hard to get around them.”

That led to a quick one yard touchdown run by Holub early in the third quarter.

“It was a pretty nice feeling, because I knew after that the team would be pumped,” said Holub.  “When we went to kick-off we were running down there full steam ready to buck some heads.”

The Gladiators strong point all game was their defense, who constantly put pressure on the Wolverines quarterback Alec Reid. Dwight Campbell led the way with 3.5 sacks.

“We were talking about our o-line, big, senior, smart, and then I look and maybe our d-line is just as good,” said Richer.  “Our defensive line was just ruthless, they didn’t stop, the motors just kept going.”

The pressure lead to a huge interception and 41 yard run back by Gladiators defensive lineman Mathieu Langevin, the first of his career at any level.

“I was like as if, I couldn’t believe it at first, so I just ran,” said Langevin.  “I was going for the touchdown but the guy got me near the end so I was kind of sad.”

Austin Kirkey caught his first touchdown of the season from Holub late in the third quarter. Holub finished

The Wolverines were able to get two scores late but it wasn’t enough as the Gladiators held on for the win. This is the 12th straight regular season victory for the Galdiators, their last loss came against Huronia way back on June 25 2011.

JUNIOR VARSITY:

The Junior Varsity Gladiators didn’t fair the same success on the field, as they were unable to stop the option offense from the Wolverines junior varsity squad.

“We had guys trying to do to much at times, especially when we were down,” said head coach Kevin Garbuio.  “Everyone wants to make a play, they are playing in front of their friends and family, and they played outside of themselves a bit.”

They were able to take a few positives from the game.

“We were really good on special teams, I thought we won the battle there,” said Garbuio.  “Our interior defensive line, Eric Frasor and Devin McCulloch played amazing.”

Both teams will be back in action on June 1 against North Halton in Sudbury.