NSMFA Pee Wee Tier 1: Bulldogs preparing for battle in championship rematch against Destroyers

The 8-1 Valley Bulldogs are only three points away from a perfect record; an 8-6 Week 4 loss being their only blemish on this phenomenal season. That loss was at the hands of the Dartmouth Destroyers, the very team that they face Saturday, November 16 in the NSMFA Pee Wee Tier 1 Provincial final.

After finishing the regular season at 7-1, last week’s 22-8 defeat of Timberlea sends the Bulldogs into the championship game full of momentum, and the players are certainly eager for the rematch with Dartmouth.

Quarterback Alex Hayes commented on the tough loss to Dartmouth.

“We were down inside the 5 yard line a few times and we weren’t able to score,” said Hayes, still disappointed about the loss. He felt that it’s certainly a game they could have won, but the Bulldogs just did not capitalize on their opportunities.

Hayes is one of the main cogs of the ‘Dogs explosive offensive, alongside his twin brother Jack Hayes at receiver.

“He’s an advantage (to have) as a quarterback,” said Hayes. “He gets to where I want to throw it a lot.”

The Hayes-Hayes connection has terrorized defenses throughout the season, and really gives the Bulldogs a “Big-Play” threat at any time in a game. Though it’s clear that the 13 year-old twins’ chemistry between the whistles is undeniable, Alex joked that they do sometimes get into it during practice, but never anything significant.

Other stars to look out for on the Bulldogs offense are another one of Hayes’ favourite targets – slotback Micah McDowell.

McDowell chews up Yards After Catch regularly, and is the type of dynamic player who can turn a short reception into a big score. He is a consistent threat on the Bulldogs offense and look for him to be a big fixture in the Valley pass game come Championship Saturday.

Running Back Jayden Simmonds is a true stud, and his elusiveness and lethal speed behind a solid offensive line powers the Bulldogs ground game. This powerhouse offense averaged 32 points per game through their eight regular season and one playoff game, and will be a big factor in determining the Bulldogs success against the Detroyers.

Defensively, linebackers Logan Potter and Jayden King lead the front seven for the ‘Dogs with their solid tackling ability. Two-way player Micah McDowell is the Bulldogs star safety, flying all over the field delivering big hits and snagging interceptions. The young son of former CIS All-Canadian Defensive Back Dave McDowell (Acadia, 1987) grabbed three interceptions in last week’s playoff win over Timberlea, and also notched a fumble recovery. Potter, King and McDowell lead a Bulldogs defense allowing, on average, just six points a game.

Minor football has taken off in the Valley recently, where this season each Bulldogs team made their respective Tier 1 playoffs, at the atom, pee wee and bantam levels. A win for the Pee Wee Bulldogs on Saturday would be the icing on the cake for a great season of minor football in the Valley. The Bulldogs are yet to win a Tier 1 Championship at the Pee Wee level, though the Pee Wees did notch a Tier 2 Championship title back in 2008.

Current Bulldogs receiver/running back Coach Zach Gouthro was a member of that 2008 Tier 2 Championship team, and is hungry for the chance at a Tier 1 title. The Bulldogs big threat offense and sturdy defense has the team confident in their abilities to bring the Pee Wee Tier 1 title to the Valley for the first time. When briefly speaking to the quarterback Hayes before practices began this week, he stressed the importance of execution both offensively and defensively, and felt that if they could minimize mistakes and play soundly as a unit, they would be Champions come late Saturday afternoon.

The Valley Bulldogs host the Dartmouth Destroyers on Saturday, November 16th at Acadia’s Raymond Field. The Bulldogs are looking to avenge a tough 8-6 Week 4 loss to Dartmouth and come away with the Pee Wee program’s 1st NSMFA Tier 1 Championship. Kickoff is at 1:00 PM.  (BOTH TIME AND DATE ARE TENTATIVE, SUBJECT TO CHANGE)