The Mathieu-Martin Matadors have rebuilt their program back to 12 Man calibre. After a tough loss in there first game of the season, the Matadors look to bounce back against Tantramar.
In 2004, Many thought that the Matadors football program had officially come to an end. After a few years away from the game of football, the school decided to give it another shot. After a few losing seasons, the decision has officially paid off. The Matadors decided that the 10 Man league was a good place for them to become competitive again. After being the runner up in 2011 and capturing the title last season, the Matadors decided it was time for them to move up to the 12 Man league once again.
The Matadors opened the season last Friday afternoon versus the Riverview Royals. Mathieu-Martin lost the game but did not seem out of place as they had success on both sides of the ball. The Matadors showed many New Brunswick high school football fans that hard work does indeed pay off.
The Matadors will be face the Tantramar Titans on Thursday night at 7 pm at Rocky Stone Field in Moncton.
Running back Mitch Cormier has spent the last two seasons with the Matadors and believes that the program has taken big steps for the future and thinks that the Matadors could surprise some people this season.
“Everyone is working hard and together,” said Cormier. “Things are looking good for the present and also years to come.”
“I expect that the program will keep taking steps forward”.
The Matadors will not have an easy opponent come Thursday. Tantramar is coming off a 15-15 tie versus the Harrison Trimble Trojans and are looking to improve on their record.
“I expect Tantramar to come out flying ,” said Cormier. “Its gonna be a great game.”
In other Eastern Conference action, The Moncton High Purple Knights will face the Riverview Royals Friday at 4 pm in Riverview. This game should also be a very close battle as both teams have great athletes on both sides of the ball. The other game will feature Bernice McNaughton facing Harrison Trimble at 7pm on Friday at Rocky Stone. Both teams are coming off Week 1 draws and will be looking to get into the win column.
In Western Conference action, The Fredericton Black Kats will host the Saint John Greyhounds on Friday night at 7pm. Both these teams are coming off lopsided victories in Week 1. The Leo Hayes Lions will face off against The Kennebecasis Valley Crusaders and Oromocto will travel to Saint John for a duel with Simonds Seabees.
In the 10 Man division, the Hampton Huskies will travel to Moncton for a game against Les Olympiens de L’Odyssee. Both of these teams made short work of their opponents in Week 1 winning by a 44-0 margin. This game could be an early playoff preview. Kickoff is set for 1pm on Saturday at Rocky Stone. Other games this weekend will feature Harbour View versus St. Stephen and the Sussex Sonics will open their season against ST. Malachy’s.
(photo courtesy of George Long)
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