NFC Playoff Recap: Can the Invaders keep conquering?

The Invaders, undefeated against the visiting Raiders coming in to this match up, were able to get themselves on the board early with Kyle Kavanaugh punching in the ball from 5 yards out.  Jeff Morris added the conversion for an quick 7 point lead.

Toronto was not looking to end their season on a quiet note and battled back to the Invaders 1 yard line on their next possesion.  Tough Invader defence kept the Raiders from running in a quick score forcing quarterback Kelly Hughes to find Rickey Clarke in the end zone.  Boris Dobrusin added the extra point to tie the game.

Ottawa marched right back to Toronto’s 30 yard line and showed why they finished the regular season with a 6-2 record, by rushing in another touchdown before the end of the first quarter. The score came courtesy of TJ Williams with Jeff Morris adding his second point to make it 14-7.

The Invaders swung momentum in their favour after this score and maintained it for the majority of the game.  Jeff Hildreth launched a 22 yard strike to Matt Harmer before Jeff Morris converted his third attempt of the night, to put the Invaders up by 14 at halftime.

Allens Pierre Jr., got the scoring started in the third with a huge interception which he returned 80 yards, for an incredible boost to the already dominant Invaders squad.  Craig Hodge stepped up on the defensive end for the Invaders as well with 5 tackles.

Feeling their season coming to a close, the Raiders fought back in the third.  An exceptional drive brought them within the red zone, setting up Dan Brownlee for his second reception of the game and a touchdown.  The pass was made by Luke Zatazate from 17 yards out.

Ottawa answered again however, with a 35 yard touchdown from Jeff Hildreth to Wendell Beloney.  Hildreth would finish the game with 13 completions on 19 attempts for 206 yards with 2 touchdowns.
Adam Gourgon and James Dooley both ran the ball in for the Invaders in the fourth quarter to ultimately seal the victory.  The final tally showing 47-14 Ottawa.

While another chapter ends for the Raiders franchise, the Invaders look ahead to their next test when they host the Tri-City Outlaws.  Northern Football Conference semi-final action gets under way Saturday August 11th at Keith Harris Stadium, 7.pm.