OFC: JV Jr. Argos Ready to Take on the 2012 Season

As the regular season approaches, the Junior Varsity Toronto Jr. Argos are all set to take on the OFC for the 2012 season.

The team finished the 2011 season with a 5-3 record, but lost in the quarterfinals by one point against Oakville. However, the disappointing end to last season only motivates the team this year according to head coach and defensive coordinator Carlo Onorati. “We have set the bar very high” for the upcoming season, “with the ultimate goal being to play in the championship game”.

Last year the team encountered discipline problems which led to penalties which ultimately cost the team the 2011 quarterfinals. The pre-season has been devoted not only to work on the playbook, but also to improve the focus and mental preparation of each player.

The team will be lead by veteran linebackers Even Shergold, Alex Simmons, and Gord Brown on the defense, as well as, wide receiver Matt Crocker. The captains will be backed up by an entire team of “very hungry and focused players. Many members of the team just finished the high school season with a loss in the championship game” continues Onorati. “You can see the dedication in these players“.

The JV Jr. Argos are not only motivated by the disappointing end of the 2011 season, but also by the burden of being from downtown Toronto. Any sports team from the villainous ‘center of the universe’, are used to being despised by fellow Canadian clubs. It is certainly not a new phenomenon for teams of any sport who are from the Greater Toronto Area. “Being from Toronto, a lot of teams want to see us fail” says Onorati. “Other teams love to come here and try to beat us up. We enjoy the challenge and thrive on being that team”.

The team has played two scrimmage games, including one against Clarington on April 29[SUP]th[/SUP]. They scored four touchdowns on the first ten plays, and finished the game strong. A good sign of things to come for the regular season.

Coach Onorati and the JV Jr. Argos start the 2012 campaign on May 27[SUP]th[/SUP] against Oakville at St. Michaels Field, Toronto.