CISAA: St. Andrew’s defend title against Upper Canada College

For the second year in a row, the St. Andrew’s Saints are CISAA Champions after defeating the Upper Canada College Blues, 21-14. This was the third year in a row that these teams have faced off in the championship final, and the result was, as always, an entertaining event featuring some of the league’s best players. This win was particularly special for St. Andrew’s as it is the first time in approximately 30 years that the Saints have won back to back championships. The game featured great defensive performances and an impressive running as both sides utilized their ground games.

Saints QB no. 12 Chris Merchant play calling on the fly

UCC’s no. 19 Chris Amoah Utilizes the stiff arm

The game started with both teams being stopped on third down, and remained scoreless until St. Andrew’s Saints quarterback Chris Merchant handed the ball off to no. 2, Cole Sopik, for a touchdown with six minutes left in the first. UCC answered back by the end of the first quarter with a touchdown of their own by receiver no. 87, Luke Stevens.

Saints no. 88 Zach Marcus trying to avoid a safety

The second quarter became a battle of defenses as both teams were able to stop the opposing offense for the majority of the quarter. The game was forced to the ground as throwing the ball became hazardous, thanks to great secondary defense by both teams. After the ball changed possession several times, UCC’s no. 19 Chris Amoah ran for a touchdown with 50 seconds remaining in the half to put UCC up 14-7.

UCC’s defense continued to work hard, stopping St. Andrew’s on their own one yard line early in the third quarter. However, towards the end of the quarter, after stopping St. Andrew’s deep in their red zone, UCC quarterback Liam Power threw an interception to Saints’ no. 8 Curtis Harvey and the ball was brought back to UCC’s own 2 yard line.

UCC QB no. 13 Liam Power in own end zone. The play would result in a St. Andrew’s interception

This interception would be the turning point of the game, as the Saints were able to capitalize on the turnover with another touchdown run in by Cole Sopik. With a 14-14 score, UCC’s next possession would end with another pick by Saints’ linebacker no. 52 Mario Chiodo. The turnover would result in another St. Andrew’s touchdown by Sopik to give the Saints a 21-14 lead.

UCC would spend the rest of the game trying to get the tying score. The Blues would get into the Saint’s red zone, but they were unable to get another touchdown. St. Andrew’s would run out the remainder of the clock, and the game would end 21-14.

It was by far the most exciting game of the season to watch. The strong defensive game made both teams change their playing style and work harder for every yard. Standout halfback Cole Sopik has “emerged as a fantastic running back,” says Saint’s head coach Len Gurr. For the past four games, Sopik has scored multiple touchdowns per game and has proven to be one of the best backs in the league.

SAC’s no. 2 Cole Sopik runs in between traffic

St. Andrew’s Saints coach Len Gurr is incredibly proud of his players, saying that the win was not so much the performance of a few key players but rather “remembered as a consummate team victory”. Furthermore, Gurr goes on to praise the “tremendous play of our defense”, as the two interceptions gave the Saints the lead. Defensive captains Peter Godber and Mario Chiodo stepped up to lead the team and put lots of pressure on UCC quarterback Liam Power. Saints SB no. 88 Zach Marcus not only played a great game on offense, but also a strong and consistent game on defense.

Like the Saints, UCC’s defense played exceptionally as well. They were able to sac Saints quarterback Chris Merchant a few times, and forced him to throw away the ball on several occasions. The normally passing quarterback was forced to run into dangerous situations and risk losing the ball with to the terrorizing UCC defense. No. 84 Marc-Andre Alexandre played safety along with receiver duties, and kept St. Andrew’s receivers from making many big catches.

The season is now over for UCC, but it was a great year for one of CISAA’s best teams. UCC head coach David Shaw had this to say about the 2012 UCC Blues: “I was really proud of how hard our guys worked all season, and indeed during the offseason. Football provides the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in sport-and we certainly experienced the full range of emotions this season. It was a sincere privilege coaching our guys this season, and also working with my assistant coaches, who are make coming to practice fun every day.”

The undefeated Saints will move onto the Metro Bowl semi-finals on November 21st. The team is in an awkward position as some players, such as quarterback Chris Merchant, are no longer eligible to play according to CISAA’s rules. “It is going to be tough”, says coach Gurr. “We don’t know who we are going to play, but as long as we make sure we keep playing as well as we have been”.

The Metro Bowl will be taking place at the Rogers Centre on November 27th as a part of the annual OFSAA Bill’s Bowl Series.

 

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