On Saturday, another chapter in the rivalry between the Halifax Argos and Timberlea Renegades will be scripted at East Hants Sportsplex.
Both teams come into Week 2 of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL) with identical 1-0 records after lopsided victories against their opponents last weekend.
The Argos crushed the Metro Mustangs 70-14 while the Renegades earned a 42-0 shutout victory over the Western Rebels.
“Based on the scores in the league last week, this should be a great game,” commented Argos Head Coach Jon Dyer of this this week’s battle against Metro Mustangs. “It will give us all a good indication where each team stands in relation to one another.”
As for whom to watch on both teams, Dyer said it’s too soon to offer up names because both squads are laden with many new faces. If history has shown the Argos anything, it is that the Renegades will mount stiff competition, particularly in one aspect of their game.
“We’ve got some weapons on both sides of the ball and we are still in the process of discovering who are the guys we can really rely upon this season and going into the fall,” elaborated the Argos Head Coach. “There’s been a lot of turnover on both sides of the ball from last year but we’re very excited about what we have.”
“Timberlea have a strong defense and some weapons in their backfield.”
For the Argos to come out on top on Saturday, they must succeed in two key areas. Additionally, both the offensive and defensive units have to click on all cylinders.
“As always, if we protect the ball on offense and force a few turnovers on defense, we’ll have a great chance to win the game,” added Dyer. “We are going to get a very good idea of where we stand after this.”
“We want to stay balanced at all times. On offense, we need to establish our running game and stay out of second and long situations. On defense, we need to stay disciplined and get after their quarterback. They are a team that’s well coached and have good fundamentals; nothing will be given to us.”
While this is only Week 2 of the season, each game provides an opportunity for players to compete in the NSISL while developing their skills in the process. For the Argos, each battle is another step closer to the ultimate goal they want to achieve by the end of the season.
“This is just another regular season game,” said Dyer. “With every team making playoffs, our goal as a team is to develop our players and work our systems.”
“These games are great learning experiences and regardless of the outcome, we are looking for certain learning opportunities so that we can be in our best form come playoff time. We’ll certainly go for the win but our main goal is to put ourselves in a position to win two games in a row come May. We are a long way away from will we be.”
For both the Argos and Renegades, this is a continuation of a rivalry the seeds were sown during the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). During the fall months, several of the players on both rosters compete for the Citadel Phoenix (Argos) and Sir John A MacDonald Flames (Renegades).
Therefore, hype and anticipation will be built up prior to this battle. Ultimately, this game could unfold as one of the most dramatic, yet intriguing games of the brief NSISL season.
“Our kids always get excited to play Timberlea,” expressed Dyer. “Whether it’s the spring league or the high school season, over the last few years we have had some terrific games against them that usually come down to the wire.”
“I don’t expect that to change. It’s always a very physical and intense game but there is a lot of mutual respect between the programs. It makes for exciting football.”
Kickoff is 3:00pm in East Hants
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