NFC Recap: Invaders and Raiders battle for best record in the NFC

The Invaders, being on a five game winning streak and having not lost at home this season, were facing a difficult test in the undefeated Titans. Ottawa was more than up to the challenge however, as they led through most of the first half.

A huge boost to the Invaders came from returning receiver Brandon Weekes, who rejoined his team after helping to lead the Oslo Vikings to a championship in Europe.  Weekes slipped right back in with the Invaders offence in his return, registering 7 catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

Other clutch performers for the Invaders included Curtis Cates with 3 receptions on the night and Danny Mullins who had an incredible 43-yard strike from Jeff Hildreth for a touchdown.

Ottawa’s ground game was lead by Kyle Kavanaugh with 4 carries for 56 yards and Adam Gourgon who scampered into the end zone from 10 yards out for the score.

Unfortunately, Ottawa’s hometown heroics were not enough to sustain the Invaders lead until the end of the game.  Toronto kept the contest close throughout before edging ahead of Ottawa by 3 points in the 4th quarter to take a 33-30 lead.

Regardless of both teams being penalized immensely, for a total of 503 yards, quarterbacks Jeff Hildreth and Tommy Denison each had tremendous games for their respective clubs.  Denison completed 29 of 42 passes for a total of 537 yards while giving up 3 interceptions.  Hildreth was 17-31 with only one pick for a total of 331 yards.

All three of Ottawa’s interceptions came from Andre Charron, who now leads the Northern Football Conference with 6 on the year.

However, despite both quarterbacks being on their game and Ottawa owning the opposition 163- 4 yards on the ground, the Invaders could not run away with a victory at home.  Toronto gained momentum in the 4th quarter and did not look back eventually sealing the 47-30 victory.

Ottawa fell short for only the second time this season, with both losses coming at the hands of the Titans.  The Invaders look to finish their regular season strong as the playoffs approach, with a game against Oakville Saturday July 21st at Keith Harris Stadium,7pm.