OFC: Predators remain undefeated but a bigger challenge lies ahead

However, in each of the last three seasons the number one seed has not won a championship.

For the Twin Cities Predators, the playoffs will be anything but easy. They are the defending champs and coach Kevin Horn said they are a marked team and come playoff time they will be tested early and often.

“They know that this is the most difficult time of the season, where every game and every play mean so much more,” said Predators coach Kevin Horn.

As any coach should, Horn pays close attention to details and he said that even though the number one seeds have not fared well, that’s not always a bad thing.

“The nice thing for us is home-field advantage, it’s always nice to be able to play in front of your family and friends and feel them supporting you during a tough game.”

On Saturday, the Predators wasted no time moving up the field against the Panthers. They scored on their first two possessions and took away any confidence the Panthers may of had coming into the game.

“We feel when we are up on teams and can force them to be more one dimensional it is a great advantage for us,” said coach Horn.

The Predators used all three quarterbacks; Addie Cober took to the field for the first half and was 7 for 12, good for 93 yards and a touchdown. Todd Hoover played the third quarter and Kelvin Brooks played the fourth.  The team gave up a couple of sacks and interceptions in the second half as the Panthers maintained a solid defensive effort throughout the game.

The Predators were able to get all of their receivers into the game and help them shake off any rust as the playoffs loom. Their leading receivers were Austin Curtis with 33 yards and a touchdown and Corey Jones with two catches for 32 yards.

Tough defence has become a mainstay for the Predators, as the defensive unit continued their dominance in the shutout victory. Zach Degen, Patrick Gerrie and Jerrelle Vaughn all contributed with sacks and the defensive backs were rock-solid surrendering only 56 passing yards.

“Brandon Seip had three interceptions on the day, with Reid Denstedt making one. Tyler Fulcher was also impressive with five batted balls,” said Horn.

Kicker Eric Hewitson, went 3 for 3 on field goals and extra points and scored 12 points on the day.
With yet another solid outing and a perfect record intact, the coaching staff is confident that their players will stay motivated.

“I think our players do a great job of pushing themselves. It’s impossible for these players to only be motivated by what their coaches say. Our players have an intense desire to learn, to improve and to be the best,” said Horn.

The Panthers are a dismal eighth place and are hoping for a “Cinderella run” and with the way first place teams have fared as of late, they have every reason to believe.

“Hamilton came out playing really tough. They had a short bench and a few players going two ways, but they definitely have some talented players,” said Horn.

“We had problems with the legs of quarterback Flavio Alfico and running back Niah Wilson all game. Those two are a dynamic combination in the backfield any team would like to have.”

Horn said he expects the eight place Panthers to put up a challenge but his veteran players have been great in “driving their teammates” and “helping them find that focus.” Additionally, he feels that the rookies, which they have quite a few of; understand the hard-work and dedication it will take to reach their goal of repeating as champions.

The first round playoff game is set for Saturday July 28^th at 4 p.m. at University Stadium in Waterloo.