NSSAFFL: Scotia Division Week 6 Recap

This past week in Scotia Division action of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) saw teams continue to make their moves in the standings while setting the tone in their games.
The JL Ilsley Judges and Halifax West Warriors still remain undefeated after and are on a collision course to meet this upcoming week to decide who will take over the top spot in the division.
In game action, the Judges shut out the Cole Harbour Cavaliers 23-0 while the Warriors cruised by the Auburn Drive Eagles 60-28.  Meanwhile, the Horton Griffins defeated the Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals 27-8.  Finally, the Central Kings Gators eked out an 18-9 victory over the Avon View Avalanche.  The Northeast Kings Titans enjoyed a bye this past week.
Here are the results from Week 6 coverage in the Scotia Division:

HALIFAX WEST WARRIORS 60, AUBURN DRIVE EAGLES 28:

In a Monday evening matchup at Mainland Commons, the Halifax West Warriors kept their undefeated record intact by defeating the Auburn Drive Eagles 60-28.
With this win, the Warriors now have a 5-0-0 (10 points) record.  As a result of the loss, the Eagles slide to a 4-2-0 (eight points) mark on the season.
Running back Javon Parris had 204 rushing yards on 14 carries and scored three majors to lead the Warriors the victory.  Receiver Quintynn Parsons scored two touchdowns (one punt return, one kick return) while amassing 113 yards on 3 receptions. Tariq Karaballi found the end zone once and had five carries for 31 rushing yards while Clarke Hannam scored a touchdown on a 12 yard reception.
Defensively for the victors, Luke Byrne caught an interception while racking up five assisted tackles and three solo tackles.  Josh Sampson also caught an interception while registering six assisted tackles and six solo tackles.  Ahmed Ramadan chipped in with seven assisted tackles and three solo tackles for the victory.
“We had to adjust to Auburn’s intensity; they started the game and were able to shut down our offense the first couple of series and scored as a result,” commented Warriors offensive coordinator David Rent after the win.  “We had to respond with a hard nose physical game and the offensive line stepped up to the physical challenge which enabled us to run the ball with our tailback Javon Parris and fullback Tariq Karaballi.”
“A lot of credit goes to the Auburn players and coaches; they caught us on our heels and took the fight to us from the opening kickoff.”
In particular, Rent was impressed with the play of the Warriors three offensive guns.
“Javon Parris and Tariq Karabelli both played excellent,” reflected the Warriors offensive coordinator.  “I was leery coming into game two this year, with starting tailback David Nesbit getting injured in game 1 as there were some big shoes to fill.”
“So far this year for two first year players, they have exceeded any expectations I had. They are both very physical runners and look to deliver a hit instead of taking one.  Quintynn Parsons had another great game, he didn’t get the ball a lot tonight but when he did he made things happen.”
While the team scored a win, there are a few areas they must improve on in the coming days as the Eagles were able to expose those weaknesses during the game.
“Offensively we had three turnovers so we need to work on ball security and making better decisions with the ball,” said Rent.  “Defensively we are a young team, and we will keep working on the basics of tackling and responsibilities for runs and pass coverage.”
The Halifax West Warriors will square off against the undefeated JL Ilsley Judges on Sunday October 21st, 2012 at Graves Oakley Field (Spryfield).  Kickoff is 1:00pm.  As for the Auburn Drive Eagles, they will look to get back into their winning ways as they host the Avon View Avalanche on Monday October 22nd, 2012 at Burnside Turf.  Game time is 7:00pm.

JL ILSLEY JUDGES 23, COLE HARBOUR CAVALIERS 0:

Under Friday Night Lights at Burnside Turf, the JL Ilsley Judges shutout the Cole Harbour Cavaliers 23-0.
The Judges are tied with the Warriors atop of the Scotia Division standings with a 5-0-0 record (10 points) while the Cavaliers now drop to a 2-3-0 (four points) mark on the season.
On their first series, the Judges got on the scoreboard as tailback Joe Stuckless scored on a 13 yard run.  In the second quarter, wide receiver Andray Brady scored a major after connecting with rookie pivot Ben LeBlanc for a 27 yard touchdown pass.  Once again, the two would connect in the third quarter as Brady scored on a seven yard touchdown pass.  However, the conversion attempt was blocked.  Stuckless was successful on a 27 yard field goal attempt to round out the scoring for the Judges.
Stuckless amassed 117 rushing yards on sixteen carries in the victory.  LeBlanc had eight completions in 14 attempts for 87 passing yards for the Judges.
Not only has the Judges reached the 5-0-0 mark for the first time in the team’s history.  Moreover, the Judges have matched their season’s best as well.
“The kids continue to amaze me every week playing with so much heart and giving up so much size,” reflected Judges head coach Steve Saunders after the victory.  “Somehow they just get it done when they have to and for a young team; they show like they are all seniors.”
“Defensively, Eric Bowdridge, Lavante Gillis, and Skylar LeBlanc were standouts as was Martin Clayton who doubled as tailback, when needed, was a huge out on special teams.”
While the score may have appeared to be one sided, it was not indicative of how competitive the game was on Friday night.
“The Cole Harbour defense played really tough and made some big stops when they had to,” assessed the Judges head coach.  “The score again could have been a little closer as they missed a pick in their end zone which resulted in a score for us.”
“They just couldn’t get their offense rolling to mount a big drive when they needed it.”
Even though the road for the Judges going forward won’t be any easier, they are content with how their season has unfolded thus far.
“We still play three very good football teams and every game is crucial in determining the Tier 2 playoff format,” added Saunders. “It’s nice to know that we will finish in the top four but where is the question.”
“Regardless, we have brought a lot of pride to our school and community which we don’t get a lot of in Spryfield.”
The Judges will host the Halifax West Warriors on Sunday October 21st, 2012 at Graves-Oakley Field (Spryfield) in the battle for first place in the Scotia Division.  Kickoff is 1:00pm.  Meanwhile, the Cole Harbour Cavaliers will try to get back into the win column as they travel to play Central Kings on Sunday October 21st, 2012.  Game start is 1:00pm.

HORTON GRIFFINS 27, DR. JOHN HUGH GILLIS ROYALS 8:

At Antigonish in another match under Friday Night Lights, the Horton Griffins defeated the host Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals 27-8.
The Griffins now sport a 4-2-0 (eight points) record while the Royals have a 2-3-0 (four points) mark this season.
Cam Davidson started off the scoring in the second quarter as he scored on a one yard touchdown run.  Griffins pivot Kyle McMullin connected with Brandon Whitman on a three yard touchdown pass.  Subsequent to that, Zack Gouthro ran into the end zone for a two yard touchdown score.  Diego Oliveira was successful on three conversion attempts; however, he missed a 42 yard field goal attempt.
After enjoying a 21-1 lead at the half, Davidson scored on a 12 yard run.  This was while he made three defenders miss on a loss of yards.  However, the attempt at the extra point was not successful.
Offensively, Davidson rushed for 121 yards on 15 carries and a 12 yard reception Gouthro had 122 rushing yards on 15 carries and a 21 yard reception.  Whitman had 141 receiving yards on 10 catches while Jake Melanson had two receptions for 25 yards.  McMullin had 14 completions in 18 attempts for 199 passing yards, one passing touchdown and threw an interception in the game.
As for the defensive unit, Melanson, Kirklyn Levy, Brock O’Brien and Ryan Scofield each registered sacks to lead the Griffins.
“We were short a ton of bodies as we only dressed 30 of 42 guys to go to JH Gillis; between injuries, baseball provincials, and other factors, we needed guys to step up, and play big, and that is just what we got,” commented Griffins head coach Alec Hyndman. “Guys like Brock O’Brien, Gary Lenihan, and Eli Lampe, were just monsters against the biggest defensive line we have seen yet; they may not get the glory at offensive line, but without them, we would have been in trouble.”
“Brandon Whitman had another solid day at defensive back, and grade 10 Josh Willoughby had his first career pick with Horton, but the real story on defense was once again, that it didn’t seem to matter which guys we put in, they all did their jobs well, and played sound football for four quarters. Big up to all the guys that played defense for us on Friday, they showed heart, drive and a no quit attitude.”
Hyndman continues to be impressed by McMullin, the starting quarterback.
“Kyle McMullin continues his just awesome season at quarterback,” explained the Griffins head coach. “Even at 5’10’’, he really sees the whole field, and with Mike Boylan out, he showed us that he can find the holes in the defense quickly and accurately.”
“He is making a strong case for some hardware at the end of the year. He is now has 63 completions in 100 attempts for 915 yards, 10 touchdowns with only four interceptions.”
While the Griffins have overcome challenges this season, there are some key areas the team would like to address and work on during their upcoming bye week.
“This was by far the best group effort we have had, and one of the best games as a coach in a long time,” reflected Hyndman.  “If we can get the six starters we were missing on Friday, back for the playoffs, I wouldn’t bet against us, but this adversity has really pushed the guys to play to their fullest.”
“They are working hard, and having fun, not much more we can ask for as coaches. Now, it’s our job to help keep that going as we are going to use this week to continue to build the depth on the roster, keep pushing fundamentals and make sure that all 12 guys on the field know their job, and that if we all do our job, we will be a force. So far, they have bought in, and we are not the same team we were at the start of the year. I’m just as excited this season as I was last, should be a fun rest of the year.”
Horton Griffins will enjoy a bye this upcoming week.  Meanwhile, Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals will travel to Canning to face the Northeast Kings Titans for a match-up on Sunday October 21, 2012 at 2:00pm.

CENTRAL KINGS GATORS 18, AVON VIEW AVALANCHE 9:

On Sunday afternoon in Windsor, the visiting Central Kings Gators came away with an 18-9 win over the host Avon View Avalanche.
“Central Kings played a fundamentally sound game and deserved the win as their running back ran very well and I thought he was the difference,” assessed Avalanche head coach Rory Campbell after the loss.  “Nick Smith played a great game for us blocking and kick and scoring a special teams touchdown.”
“Despite the loss, AJ Whitehead continued his dominant defensive effort and again demonstrated why he’s one of the best defensive players in the Scotia Division.”
Central Kings Gators will host Cole Harbour Cavaliers in a game on Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm.  As for Avon View Avalanche, they will be on the road to face the Auburn Drive Eagles in a night game on Monday October 22nd, 2012.
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