NS: Spartans and Phoenix Ready for Sunday Tier 1 Semi-final Battle

“We haven’t been in the Tier 1 semi-final for years, so we are excited about the opportunity.”

That was a comment from Dartmouth High Spartans head coach Mike Cosgrove about the teams’ thoughts as they get set to play the Citadel Phoenix on Sunday afternoon in a Tier 1 Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) semi-final game.

The Spartans earned a spot in the semifinals by defeating the Sackville High Kingfishers, 43-6. Now faced with their biggest test of the playoffs, the Spartans are not daunted by having to play the defending provincial champions.

“We know Citadel is a strong team, but we don’t see ourselves as the underdog here,” comments Cosgrove. “We are ready.”

This upcoming semi-final game will not be the first time the two teams have met this season. Back in the first week of NSSAFFL regular season play, the two teams tangled. The Phoenix prevailed in that game 29-16.

However, a lot of time has elapsed and a lot of football has been played. When the Spartans and the Phoenix play on Sunday, they won’t be the same teams that faced each other in the first week of the NSSAFFL.

“Hopefully, we have improved as a team and can avoid the errors that cost us the
last game,” says Cosgrove. “They will have improved too, but I think this game will be fun to watch.”

Playing the Phoenix won’t be easy; however, Cosgrove says that the key for the Spartans will be to execute a football game plan based on fundamentals. Additionally, the Spartans have to play without any mistakes. Cosgrove comments that the Phoenix play this style of football; therefore, to be successful they need to mirror it.

“They are well coached and they work hard all game,” explains Cosgrove. “You won’t beat this team unless you put together a full football game.”

“There’s not alot of room for error.”

Meanwhile, the Phoenix knows what the key is for them to get past the Spartans and gain a spot in provincial finals to defend their title. Phoenix head coach Jeff Lawley says the team’s success rides on their dynamic offensive duo.

“It’s no secret, we have 2 weapons on offense: Derek Brown and A’dre Fraser,” states Lawley. “Our success or failure rides on their shoulders and they know it.”

Last week, the Phoenix faced a very tough opponent in the Cobequid Education Centre Cougars. However, they prevailed and won the game 38-14 to earn their spot in the Tier 1 NSSAFFL semi-final.

While the Phoenix may appear to be on their way to the finals, there is one area they need to improve on, which was exposed in last week’s game.

“We need to fix our punt team blocking assignments,” explains Lawley. “Last game we gave up a blocked punt which resulted in a TD.”

“You can’t get away with that in a big game.”

The defending provincial champions are dealing with the injury bug. Phoenix players have not only been trying to heal injuries but nasty cold and flu bugs like other teams are experiencing atthis time of year. The coaching staff have been dealing with the injuries while delivering a message to the players.

“The key message to our players is to understand the difference between pain and injury,” comments Lawley. “Great players will battle the pain.”

As for their game plan, the Phoenix knows that they have to keep their eyes on Spartans quarterback Cody Cluett.

“They have an amazing aerial attack and we will do our best to contain Cluett as he is a terrific athlete,” says Lawley. “When his receivers are covered, he will not hesitate to get yards by his athleticism and instincts.”

Not only will the Phoenix have to watch on Cluett, but they will have to find a way to stop wide receiver Shivase Reddick and slot back Ashton Slawter from being successful on the field.

Receiver De’Shawn States and running back Julien Rogers could also pose problems for the Phoenix in the game. Other players to watch for include full back/safety Jacob Moore, running back Josh Gallant and wide receiver Andrew Viera.

Phoenix defensive ends Max Fitzgerald and Jordan Redding will be counted upon to stop the Spartans 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.

While quarterback Brown and wide receiver Fraser will lead the Phoenix’s offensive game execution plans, running back Ryan Kublek, Ian Miller and Sam Demont could also be part of the contributions and success the team ends up having on Sunday.

As both teams are making last minute preparations for the game, Cosgrove is anticipating a great match-up.

“We are all looking forward to it,” adds Cosgrove.

The Phoenix and Spartans Tier 1 NSSAFFL semi-final game will be played on Sunday afternoon at Saint Mary’s Huskies Stadium. Kickoff is 1:00 pm. The winner of this game will earn the right to play in the provincial high school football championships next Sunday at Huskies stadium.

(Photo courtesy of John MacCallum Charles P Allen Cheetahs Football Website)
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