NS: Griffins Look to End Playoff Losing Streak Against Panthers

The Horton Griffins are hoping to end a streak of their own on Sunday afternoon when they host the Prince Andrew Panthers for their Tier 1 first round playoff game.
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While they had success at home during the regular season (12 game unbeaten streak over the last three seasons), they have lost playoff games at Acadia the last two seasons. They are hoping that the third time around is the charm.

“Our guys have worked hard all year to earn the right to host a playoff game we hope that a strong valley turnout will pump our guys up even more,” adds Griffins head coach Alec Hyndman.

The start of the Tier 1 Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) playoffs brings a whole, different meaning.

“Playoffs are always the start of a new season in my books,” explains Hyndman. “Doesn’t matter what you did in the regular season if you can’t get anywhere in the playoffs.”

As for the Panthers, they too are looking forward to the playoffs.

“Prince Andrew is extremely excited to have earned a playoff berth in Division 1 this year,” says Panthers head coach Joe Flemming. “We know the competition is tough, and we’ll be playing against a great team on Sunday when we kickoff versus Horton.”

The Panthers ended up with a 5-3-0 record which was good enough to gain the fourth seed in the Tier 1 Nova Division. On the other hand, the Griffins nabbed the top seed in the Tier 1 Scotia Division with a 7-0-1 record.

To prepare for the game, the Panthers have been spending the week to improve their game execution. Flemming says that is important for the team to be ready.

“We’ll need to play at our highest level in order to be successful in these playoffs,”explains Flemming. “Of course part of that preparation will be making adjustments in an effort to overcome the strengths of their team.”

Running back Andrew Klain will be the one to watch on the field for the Panthers. Other players that will be looked upon to be a factor in the game include fullback/linebacker Ian Melanson, defensive back/special teams’ player Dylan Cossar, offensive player Luke MacCabe, defensive player Phoenix Grouse, rookie defensive player Oshane Johnson, rookie Jake Moore, and kicker Nate Skeete.

Flemming though gives an honest take about game preparation.

“But let’s face it, they’ll be doing the same thing as they prepare for us this week,” comments Flemming. “We know who they’ve got over there, and they know who we have over here.”

Meanwhile, the Griffins know what key ingredient they will need in order to be successful on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s time for our big guns to step up: Adam Melanson, Zach Daigle, Curtis Bawn, Robert Adams, Will Stewart, Greg Brown, just to name a few need to lead our players,” says Hyndman. “When they play well, they make everyone around them better.”

The Griffins are focused on the task at hand. The team is staying with a familiar game plan.

“We are going to look to continue with what we do best, control the ball, and play hard-nosed football on offense and defense,” explains Hyndman.

Averaging 10.23 yards a carry with 32 rushing touchdowns as a team this season, the Griffins will be running the ball down the field. Running back Robert Adams is the player on the Griffins who will be the biggest factor in the running game. During the regular season, Adams hasd1526 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.

“We expect Robert Adams to play his best football,” adds Hyndman. “We need him on his game.”

The Griffins were the top defensive team in the NSSAFFL this season and the stats don’t lie: 40 takeaways to three turnovers this season and not giving up a touchdown since the third week of the season. The team has only given up four touchdowns this season.

Defensively, the Griffins scored more points this season than they have given up. The defense ended up scoring seven touchdowns, and five of which were scored alone by safety Curtis Bawn. On Sunday, the team hopes to continue this success.

Overall, the Griffins wants success to come from both units on the field and that will mean their core of all-star players will have to rise to the occasion.

“We need to get a good push from our O line and D line, then we stand a good chance, but it starts and ends with them,” says Hyndman. “We have 3 all-star O line: Doug Spriggs, Zac Austin, and Brandon Vaughon, and we have 2 all-star D line: Adam Melanson, and Zack Daigle.”

“They need to be big for us.”

Flemming says the Panthers have taken notice of the Griffins.

“They have great coaches guiding a very talented group of players,” comments Flemming. “It’s a great strategic battle we have on our hands and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Meanwhile, as the Griffins are preparing for Sunday’s game, they have a long term goal in mind.

“We aren’t going to take any team lightly,” explains Hyndman. “We are going to play 1 round at atime, and we are going to fight for every inch, for a shot at the championship.”
The Griffins will host the Panthers in Tier 1 first round game on Sunday afternoon at Raymond Field at Acadia. Game time is 2:00 pm.

(Photo courtesy of John Decoste, Kings County Advertiser/Register)