OFC: Varsity Stampeders’ first loss puts them out of championship

In a stunning battle back from a 28-7 deficit, the Stampeders fell to the Twin Cities Predators from Kitchener-Waterloo 45-42 after they scored a touchdown with 18 seconds left in the game in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) south division final at Nelson stadium July 31.
The Predators were the only team to challenge the undefeated Stampeders this season and were the first to score points on this amazing defence in the week four match up which had the closest score of the season 24-19 for Burlington.

These two teams have been closely matched for the past four years where whomever lost the regular season game, came back to win in the playoffs, in previous years at the championship game. This year, with additional teams in the OFC, the match up took place in the semi-finals.
The Predators came out firing but were held to a field goal for the first score of the game after ten minutes of play. This was a sign for the Stamps offence that has usually put points on the board by then. The Stamps fumbled a short Predator field goal attempt three minutes later and the Predators recovered the ball for a touchdown. In the second quarter the Predators scored another field goal. The Stampeders adjusted to the defence to score their first points major on a completion from quarterback Will Finch to Doug Corby in the end zone with two minutes before the break. The Predators answered back with another touchdown forty seconds remaining to the half which had a 20-7 score.

The Predators were not resting on their laurels, they came out in the third quarter to score with an end zone to end zone run from Brendan Selp to make the score 28-7. The Stamps were not giving up, a touchdown pass to Corby was called back, but another to Bennett Megarry was good to make the score 28-14, but not for long. Theshawn Berry from the Preds caught a 30 yard pass and ran for forty to make the score 35-14.

Finch turned on the afterburners late in the fourth and made this game his own. He scrambled when his receivers were covered and passed when they weren’t. Another touchdown pass to Megarry to make the score 35-21. The Preds were held to a field goal. Finch found Megarry again in the opening minute of the fourth, Aaron Veltri ran to the end zone to be within striking distance 38-35 with eight minutes left to the game. Austin Reusch had an interception with 90 seconds left on the clock. Finch, showing extreme poise under pressure found Jake Hong and Corby to be in position for Veltri (Correction: Stamps TD with 41 seconds left was scored by Josh Vandeweerd, not Aaron Veltri) to score the go ahead touchdown with 41 seconds left to the game. It was the first time the Stampeders had the lead in the game 42-38.

With 18 seconds left Theshawn Barry found the outside and eluded several tackles for a 60 yard end-zone run. The Stampeders knew what was needed, two long bombs from Finch were incomplete and the third was intercepted by the Predators with six seconds left to the game, to seal the fate.

“We had an amazing season,” said head coach Sean Williamson.”The Predators are a well coached team and they made excellent adjustments after our first meeting. Kudos to them and we wish them luck in the championship game.”

The Predators will face Huronia Stallions who won over Sudbury 20-17.