NSSAFFL: Flames, Cheetahs renew historic rivalry in semi-final action on Sunday

Two teams who are about the meet in the Nova Division semi-finals of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Student Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) this weekend just can’t seem to get enough of each other.

A rivalry will once again be reignited on Sunday afternoon in Upper Tantallon as the Sir John A MacDonald Flames welcome the visiting Charles P Allen Cheetahs (kickoff @ 1:00pm).  

For the Flames, playing the semi-final game in front of the home crowd is something the team is excited about.

“Sir John A is very happy to have the opportunity to be in the playoffs and even more happy that we are in a position to host the game,” comments Flames head coach Alan Wetmore.  “We have been in the new school for six years and the community bonded together to create a fantastic home field and clubhouse.”

“We are very pleased to be able to provide our community, management, past and present, and the field committee a playoff home game. Now we have to pray for good weather.”

As for the game itself, both teams know this will be a competitive semi-final by virtue of the familiarity and history of previous meetings.

“All these kids know each other pretty well and a competitive intensity has grown pretty large between them,” explains the Flames head coach.  “Every year in the playoffs we run into each other so the emotions are always running high.”

“The atmosphere will be intense and the game, in this storied rivalry, will be a great one.”

The Flames defeated the Cheetahs 32-13 in Week 6 of the regular season, which is the last time these two teams have met.  Moreover, this semi-final game is a rematch of the 2011 Tier 1 quarterfinals, which saw the Cheetahs extinguished the Flames 47-15 under windy, rainy conditions.

While the Cheetahs would like to put an end to the Flames playoff run once again, they know it won’t be as easy this time around due to the strength of all three units of their opponent’s game.

“As proven in our earlier match up this year, Sir John A is a very good team that plays very physical and uses their size effectively on both sides of the ball,” assesses Cheetahs head coach Michael McPherson.  “They do a great job running the ball and present a fairly balanced attack offensively.”

“On defense. they have a very solid group that plays disciplined and tackles very well.”

Ultimately, McPherson says in order for the Cheetahs to be successful on Sunday, all three units need to play four quarters of disciplined football.

“Overall, on both sides of the ball and specials, we cannot afford to make any mistakes or take penalties, it will certainly cost us if we do,” adds the Cheetahs head coach.

Even though the Cheetahs have been a perennial playoff team in the division, the team would like to achieive a postseason goal.  The Cheetahs would like to go deeper than they have in previous seasons.

“This is our third year in a row in the Tier 1 semi-finals,” explains McPherson.  “Obviously as a program, we would like to make the next step, but recognize the road goes through a very talented and physical Sir John A Team.”

Equally, the Flames would like to advance further and erase memories of the premature playoff exit last season.  For the 2010 provincial runners-up, they cannot afford any slips against their formidable opponent from Bedford.

“CPA has many big play players like Ryan Keays, Taylor MacDonald and Alex Bayne so it will take our best football to contain them,” assesses Wetmore.  “If we give them anything they will make us pay for it.”

“Our main focus as a team is to play mistake free football. In order for us to win this game or any game in the future our main objective is to not beat ourselves first, then we can focus on beating the other team.”

Now that the postseason has finally arrived, it’s showtime for the Flames.  Ultimately, Wetmore would like to see the players rise to the occasion and bring their best effort onto the field.

“Playoffs are a great thing in an athlete’s and a coaches’ life as it brings things out of you that weren’t brought out before,” comments Wetmore.  “It gives us a great opportunity to expand ourselves as individuals, as a team, and as an organization.”

“My hope is that everyone uses this opportunity to increase their level of focus and determination. As a player you are measured by what you do in the playoffs. Great players make plays in the playoffs and we want to see their best game unfold. It will be a great game as it always is.”

TEAM NOTES/PREVIOUS 2012 MEETING:
SIR JOHN A MACDONALD FLAMES (SJA):

2012 Record:  5-1-0 (second place)

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Alan Wetmore (7th season, also backfield coach)
Assistants:  Dan Campbell (offensive line), Paul Moore (linebackers), James White (receivers), Mark Haggett (defensive line), Lou Huelin (offensive line), Peter Fitzgerald (defensive backs), Jeff MacIsaac (defensive line), Arne Anderson (defensive backs) and Dave Naugler (defensive line)

Players to Watch:  Keith Langille (linebacker), John Perrott (defensive back), Nick Hartling (receiver, Hayden Clarke (running back), Lorenz MacDonald (quarterback), Thomas Hoyt (receiver), Chandler Tufts (receiver) Hezekiah Armstrong (running back) and Brian Leader

CHARLES P ALLEN CHEETAHS (CPA):

2012 Record:  4-2-0 (third place)

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach:  Michael McPherson (6th season, also offensive coordinator)
Assistants:  Alain Lefebvre (defensive coordinator), Josh Chrvala (offensive line), Blair Ryan (defensive backs), Austin Morrison (receivers), Greg Bayne (linebackers) and Pierre Lefebvre (special teams)

Players to Watch:  Taylor MacDonald (running back/safety), Sean Muir (quarterback), Alex Bayne (receiver), Ryan Keays, Matt Zwicker (offensive line), Chase Kodejs (kicker/punter), Brad Bevan (linebacker), Will Chamberlain (defensive back) and Matt Bayne

PREVIOUS 2012 MEETING:  In Week 6 of the regular season, the Sir John A MacDonald Flames extinguished their archrivals, the Charles P Allen Cheetahs 32-13.

Hayden Clarke led the way for the Flames offensively as he amassed 143 rushing yards on 20 carries (longest was 28 yards) and scored a touchdown. Receivers Thomas Hoyt (three receptions for 40 yards) and Chandler Tufts (two receptions for 35 yards) each found the end zone once for majors in the victory. Brian Leader also scored on a five yard touchdown reception and returned the ball on four kickoffs for 200 yards (average of 50 yards per kickoff return).

Flames pivot Lorenz MacDonald 12 completions in 19 attempts for 158 passing yards. Running back Hezekiah Armstrong ran for 97 rushing yards on 17 carries, the longest being 24 yards while Nick Hartling accumulated 75 receiving yards on five catches.

Defensively for the Flames, linebacker Keith Langille had six tackles and Donovan Blue chipped in with four tackles. Josh Bordage was effective in the game as he racked up three sacks and five tackles. Mitchell James, Brayden Culligan and Scott Logan each registered three tackles apiece. Robie Holland also contributed with a sack.

The Flames had a 9-7 lead at the half. While the Cheetahs scored a touchdown in the last two seconds of the second quarter, and again found the end zone in the third quarter, it was not enough.

“I thought it was a great, hard fought game between two very good teams,” reflected Flames head coach Alan Wetmore after the victory. “Players on both teams gave everything they had and should be proud of their effort and play.”

Wetmore says that the Flames had to bring their top game in order to be successful against their archrivals. While the team pulled out the victory, they know this is a stepping stone in their march towards the playoffs.

“CPA is a very good team and that required the best from our players,” commented the Flames head coach. “I was very pleased that we rose to the occasion and won the game.”

“I am sure we will see each other again so it will be imperative that we keep improving in all aspects of our game. The next time will be just as challenging and will be another great chapter to this rivalry.”

Photos courtesy of Mark Kays

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