NS: Surprising Kingfishers to Host Spartans in NSSAFFL Round 1 Playoff Game

“I did not think that we would be in this position of hosting a Division 1 playoff game.”

That is a comment from Sackville High Kingfishers head coach Joe Simatovic about his team’s surprising rise in the Scotia Division in the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).

When the regular season was over, the Kingfishers ended up with a 5-3-0 record. That was good enough for the team to claims econd seed in the Scotia Division and give them home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

This was a major accomplishment for the Kingfishers.

“SHS is a young and inexperienced team that has overachieved,” adds Simatovic. “We are happy to be here and anything extra is gravy.”

The Kingfishers will be hosting the Dartmouth High Spartans in their first round match. The Spartans got the third seed in the Nova Division by virtue of a 5-3-0 record.

Simatovic says that Spartans quarterback Cody Cluett, receiver De’Shawn States and running back Julien Rogers will pose problems for the Kingfishers in the game. Other players to watch for on the Spartans include slot back Ashton Slawter, defensive end/wide receiver Shivase Reddick, full back/safety Jacob Moore, running back Josh Gallant and wide receiver Andrew Viera.

“They have a strong passing and a good running game,” adds SImatovic.

As for the Kingfishers, the team will rely on a trio of veteran players in receiver EvanAcosta, linebacker Alex Coles and Brandon Duhamel to lead on the field. Players that could also be a factor in the game include running back Dustin Brogaard and fullback Drew Alexander. Quarterback Connor Leblanc will try to executive the Kingfishers’ offensive game plan.

What is the plan of attack for the Kingfishers against the Spartans on the field?

“We will basically fly by the seat of our pants as far as plan of attack is concerned,” replies SImatovic. “The goal is to survive the game and put on a good show.”

“The kids just want to play a tough and clean game without any injuries.”

Due to academics, one of the Kingfishers starters is ineligible to play in this round one NSSAFFL quarterfinal matchup. The team will deal with this as they have faced adversity even before the start of the NSSAFFL regular season.

Simatovic took over as head coach before the start of the season as former head coach Rob Morgan abruptly left the Kingfishers on leave. It wasn’t easy for the team and when they step out on the field their former coach will be remembered.

“This has been a tough year with Coach Morgan’s sudden departure, but we have all adjusted,” adds Simatovic. “What is at stake is togetherness and team pride in a game dedicated to Coach Rob Morgan.”

The Kingfishers will host the Spartans in this round one playoff match on Friday evening at 6:00 pm at Burnside Turf.

(photo courtesy of John DeCoste Kings County Advertiser/Kings County Register)