Two undefeated squads will square off in another great epic battle on the field at Burnside Turf at 6:00pm.Ā Ā The Citadel Phoenix will once again face a stiff challenge to the team’s 37 consecutive game winning streak when they face the Charles P Allen Cheetahs on Sunday evening.
“This is the battle for first place in our league and at stake is playoff positioning,” comments Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Lawley.Ā Ā “Extending back to the Jamboree, we viewed CPA as the team to beat as they were head and shoulders above all the teams participating in the Jamboree.”
“It is no surprise they have won all of their games since and the fact they are putting up big numbers against opposing teams.”
Already in two regular season games in the Nova Division, the Cheetahs have outscored their opponents 105-8.Ā Ā In order for the Phoenix to be successful and come out on top on Sunday, they will need key contributions from seven veteran players.Ā Ā Those players to watch for on the field are defensive end Nick Giacomantonio, linebacker Matt Nettle, defensive back Chris Folkins, Jeff Parkhill, Sam Demont, Richard Worthington and offensive lineman Dequan Skeir.
While this season’s composition of the defending provincial champions is much different from the previous seasons, the team is looking forward to this match-up as well as what to expect in the game from their opponents.
“Although we are a young team, we are excited to see how we can match up with this very talented team,” explains the Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator.Ā Ā “They have some terrific athletes and an awesome run attack with very deceptive ball fakes.”
“It will be a huge challenge to find the ball!”
Like the Phoenix, the Cheetahs will also use this highly anticipated game as a measuring stick.Ā Ā Even though the Cheetahs have a lot of respect for the Phoenix, they are also ready for the task at hand.
“Citadel is a tremendous program and their record speaks for itself,” says Cheetahs head coach Michael McPherson.Ā Ā “We will certainly have our hands full on Sunday but are looking forward to the challenge.”
“We are both young teams this year and this weeks’ game will let us know where we stand and what areas of our game need work in order to make and have success in the playoffs.”
If the Cheetahs are to have any chance of success on Sunday against the Phoenix, they must rely on their key players to lead the charge on the field.Ā Ā Those include quarterback Sean Muir, versatile two-way player Taylor MacDonald, receiver Alex Bayne and receiver/defensive lineman Oliver Kuehm.
In order to beat a team of Citadel’s caliber, it will require a full roster four quarter effort, playing sound, physical, disciplined football,” adds the Cheetahs head coach.Ā Ā “They have depth at the quarterback position, a balanced offensive attack and have good size/athleticism on both sides of the ball that we will have to be accountable for.”
“A program that hasn’t lost in as long as they have doesn’t have many weaknesses or areas of exposure.”
Photos 1, 3, and 4 courtesy of Cathy Connell
Photo 2 and 5 courtesy of Karrie-Ann Buchanan
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