Lions tamed

OVFL: Lions began slow, not able to catch up to Mustangs.

The Varsity Cambridge Lions suffered a tough loss, as they were defeated by the London Jr. Mustangs 35-8.

Playing at TD Waterhouse Stadium proved to be a challenge for the visiting Lions as they weren’t able to

“We didn’t seem sharp or ready,” said Head Coach Anthony Maggiacomo, “We can’t be flat against a team like that, they are the defending champs for a reason, their well coached, great talented, and very balanced.”

The Lions got off to a slow start.

“In the first quarter we weren’t mentally into it,” said Maggiacomo.

Neither team were able to get points on the scoreboard by the end of the first quarter.  In the second quarter, the Lions committed a few key mistakes. As a result, the Mustangs took advantage of those mistakes by putting together a couple of scoring drives.  At halftime,  the Lions were trailing 23-0 to the Mustangs.

However, the Lions came out strong in the third quarter as the team was able to recover the ball on kickoff.  This gave the Lions momentum and a drive which resulted in the team narrowing the gap, 23-8. The Lions had trouble closing the gap as a touchdown play was called back on a penalty as well as a missed field goal.

“It C=could have changed the game, but it is what it is,” sais Maggiacomo.

Offensively, the Lions struggled.

“We had lots of opportunities to capitalize,” said Maggiacomo.

Even though the team struggled, they continued to fight the entire game and showed heart, which was evident in the play of quarterback James Roberts.

“The fight and his competitiveness was top notch, and he fought the whole time,” said Maggiacomo.

Likewise, wide receiver Eric Cusimano had a good game as he was the Lion’s leading receiver in the game with 66 yards on five receptions.

Defensively, the Lions were solid; however, faltered at key moments.

“We made mental mistakes on defense at crucial times,” said Maggiacomo.

Both linebackers Drew Walden and Robert Petrie led the defensive as Petrie caught an interception.

Another factor in the Lions loss were injuries.

“We put up a good fight, with a few key mistakes,” said Maggiacomo.

Linemen Arun Mehmi had a stellar game.

“He played both ways by the fourth quarter, both line and stepped up and played hard,” said Maggiacomo.

While the Lions struggled in their loss, they learned what they needto improve upon and grow as a team.

“It’s a learning tool take that and get better as a team, I’m confident in that,” said Maggiacomo, “With a bunch of young guys on the roster, we learned what a championship team plays like.”

Next week, the Lions will be taking on the Halton Cowboys.

“One game at a time prepare, nothing changes, focus on what we do and play clean football” said Maggiacomo,

“We just need to start quicker.”

The game is scheduled for Saturday June 8th, 2013.  Kickoff is at 3pm.