OFC: Panthers sharpen their claws

“We’re comin’ to win, we’re not just comin’ to play. We’re gonna give it all we have, and they know we play from start to finish.”
This is the message that Hamilton Panthers head coach Gary Jordan has for the Twin Cities Predators as they prepare for the first round of playoffs.
After wrapping up the season with a 2-6 record, their last game going to Twin Cities 30-0, the Panthers face the undefeated Predators in Waterloo on Saturday, to kick off the post-season.
In last weekend’s game, Twin Cities may have put up all the points, but Panthers Head Coach Gary Jordan says it could have easily gone the other way.
“The scoreboard didn’t tell all,” said Jordan. “We actually moved the ball quite well, the only thing we didn’t do is put the ball in the end-zone. Offensively, we moved the ball up and down the field; we just didn’t complete our drives. And our defense played an outstanding game.”
Jordan said the team was comfortable moving the ball up the field, but a few untimely turnovers cost them the points. As for the upcoming playoff game, Jordan is confident in his game plan.
“We know what works against Twin Cities,” he said. “We have a fair matchup with our offense against their defense; we’re really comfortable with that matchup. We know our defense is going to play well. Our defense gets us turnovers every game; we just have to capitalize on those turnovers.”
Jordan is aware of the challenges that his team will face however, and of who to watch out for.
“Their quarterbacks are pretty disciplined, they very rarely make mistakes,” he said. “We match up pretty well, talent-wise, in every other position. It’s the quarterbacks that we gotta contain.”
Despite the threat from the pocket, Jordan believes his team is ready.
“We’re not making that trip down the 401 just for the hell of it,” he said. ”We’re going down there to win. Yes, they are the first place team, but they are beatable. What we did last week against them, it gave us confidence and, like I said, we’re going down there to win.”