NS: Phoenix Start Defence of Title Sunday Against the Cougars

“DO OR DIE TIME!!! WIN WE MOVE ON, LOSE SEASONS OVER.”
Those are the comments of Cobequid Education Centre Cougars head coach Scott Annand. He is summing up the importance of the team’s Tier 1 Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) quarterfinal game against the defending provincial champions, the Citadel Phoenix.

It is a “deja vu” matchup for the two teams that are quite familiar with each other.

“This is a classic matchup of age old rivals,” says Phoenix head coach Jeff Lawley. “A Turkey Bowl rematch but this one is for keeps.”

Last month, the two teams tangled at the Turkey Bowl ironically at Saint Mary’s Huskies Stadium (site of Sunday’s game). In that game, the Phoenix defeated the Cougars 42-10.

The Cougars are doing everything possible not to have a repeat performance. As part of their normal routine, they are reviewing game footage and analyzing schemes, personnel, tendencies and keys. Annand says the Cougars game execution plan will involve shoring up all three units.

“To execute in all three phases of the game offense, defense and special teams,” comments Annand. “Special teams are where they had a noticeable advantage in our regular season meeting, so we will be much more polished on our special teams.”

Offensively, the Cougars will be relying on offensive right tackle Robert Kennedy and offensive lineman John Bernard to have a big game. Quarterback Gab Bagnell will be one to watch for as he plays a prominent role in the Cougars plans establish the running and passing game. Coach Annand adds that Bagnell has “really been starting to come into his own.”

Other offensive players to watch for include running back Brett Johnson, receiver Trevor Blaawendratt, offensive lineman Brendan Collette, offensive lineman William Sample, offensive lineman Daniel Matheson, Brandon Shute, Mat Waterman, Ben Petrie, Chandler Jennings and Luke MacLean.

As for the Cougars defense, they have to be successful in stopping the successful dynamic duo of the Phoenix: quarterback Derek Brown and wide receiver A’dre Fraser. Annand says that the Cougars have been working all season to improve this area of their game.

“Defensively we have to contain the run and play sound coverage versus their pass,”comments Annand. “The main focus as it’s been all year is to eliminate the big play-explosion, 20 yards or more.”

“We have to have a great effort from everyone on defense, we must play team defense.”

The defensive core will be led by linebacker Derek Naugler, whom Annand says has had a stellar year and will go on to play at the university level. Additionally, defensive back Nick Simpson, Calder Saunders, Josh Turple, Colin Hirtle, Luc Lavers and Matt McKenny will be a factor in the Cougars defensive game execution.

“Again it all comes down to executing in all three phases and making fewer mistakes than them,” sums up the Cougars head coach about the bottom line of what the team needs to do in order to defeat the Phoenix. Also, the injury bug will not be an issue as this is the healthiest the team has been all season.

The Phoenix is anticipating the Cougars to look for any weaknesses and expose themon the field. However, the team is making their own game preparations to counter their opponent’s attack.

“Strategically, they will probe us to find a leverage point and when they do they will be relentless,” says the Phoenix head coach. “The onus will be on us to make adjustments, play sound football and do our best to find ways to move the ball on them.”

Lawley says that since this is a key matchup, the usual suspects will be depended on once again to lead the charge on the field for the Phoenix.

“Big players come up big in big games,” adds Lawley. “On our side we expect A’dre Fraser and Derek Brown to step up as they have all season.”

Running back Ryan Kublek, Ian Miller and Sam Demont will also be part of the Phoenix’s offensive game plan.

Defensive end Max Fitzgerald had a superb performance against the Cougars in the Turkey Bowl. He had a punt block, a sack and a fake field goal touchdown reception.
Fitzgerald and defensive end Jordan Redding will be counted upon to stop the Cougars offense from getting anything going on the field. Other defensive players that could be a factor include Emile Milton, Mark Sampson, Drew MacDonald and Chris Folkins.

Even though this will be a hard fought battle on Sunday, the Phoenix has a lot of respect for their opponents.

“CEC is a very well coached team and we have the upmost respect for their program,” adds Lawley. “‘Cougar Football’ and ‘Class Act’ are the same in one.”

The sentiments are the same for the Cougars but they are focused.

“Obviously this is a key matchup…a playoff game between two long-time rivals,” adds Annand. Again there is a great history and respect between the two programs.”

“This is what we prepared for all season, off season to get to the playoffs. It’s new season.”

The Phoenix and Cougars will square off at Saint Mary’s Huskies Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm.

(Photo coutesy of Eric Wynne, The Chronicle Herald)