The heated rivalry renewed earlier this season with Ottawa taking the contest by a convincing margin. However with playoff pressure and a shot at the championship on the line for both teams, Saturday’s semi-final affair promised to be a much different story.
Nerves struck the Invaders early in the first quarter.Β Β A blocked punt by Tri-City resulted in Shawne Ashe returning the ball for a touchdown.
Despite the early deficit, hope and hard work never faded from the Invaders game plan.Β Β Feeling they still had something to prove from last years finals loss, Ottawa went on to score 15 unanswered points before half-time.
Touchdown’s came courtesy of Matt Harmer and Brandon Weekes from quarterback Jeff Hildreth, with kicker Jeff Morris converting on both point after opportunities.Β Β The team also scored a single off a missed field goal.
Tri-City was not ready to throw in the towel however and Chris Kusch responded to Ottawa’s excellent first half with a touchdown bringing the score to 15-13.Β Β A gutsy call kept the Outlaws offence on the field for the 2 points needed to tie, but the team was unable to convert on their opportunity.
A defensive battle ensued for the remainder of the game with both teams unable to gain an inch.Β Β Feeling their season winding down with the final seconds of the game, a spark ignitedΒ Β Tri-City as they forced the Invaders to surrender the the ball with only 17 seconds left.
Decent field position and enough time on the clock put the Invaders celebration on hold.Β Β With the entire stadium holding their breath for the final 17 seconds of regulation, Ottawa put up an incredible defensive effort and held off the reigning NFC champs.Β Β The game concluded as a 15-13 Invaders victory, solidifying their spot in the finals for a second straight year.
The Northern Football Conference finals will be taking place Saturday August 18th in Scarborough at 8 p.m.Β Β The match-up features the undefeated Toronto Titans, who have never made it to a championship, and the powerhouse Invaders who look to continue conquering new ground this season and be crowned the best in the NFC.
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