ONT (Niagara): CFC#6 Gators chomp on Thunder

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Blessed Trinity quarterback Noah Lane returned to the Blessed Trinity Thunder’s  lineup Wednesday after being injured in Week 1.  However, it was not enough for a Thunder victory.

The Thunder came within three points of tying last year’s Golden Horseshoe Champion and CFC#6 Lakeshore Gators in the third quarter of Wednesday’s game in Port Colborne, however the Gators would pull away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Thunder and win their home opener 49-28.

The Gators got off to a quick start with quarterback Jeremy Snyder throwing a 20 yard pass to Cole Majoros in the end zone followed shortly after with a 70 yard running touchdown by Colton Jones. The Thunder were not deterred  by the Gators strong start and after a 40 yard pass by the returning Noah Lane to Austin Whetton, the Thunder would get on the board with a 35 yard field goal by Matt Lane.

Just minutes later, the Gators were back to the offense with Jeremy Snyder throwing a 15 yard pass to Colton Jones in the end zone and Mack Jones running a handoff 60 yards to put the Gators in front of the Thunder 28-3.

The Thunder would get their offense rolling before halftime with Levar Lashington-Francis scoring on a Noah Lane handoff.  It was followed by a missed two point conversion. The Thunder would cap off the first half with a 25 yard field goal by Matt Lane.

The Thunder came right out of the gate to start the third quarter. After denying the Gators a one yard push on third down, the ball was turned over and resulted in Noah Lane finding Nathan Kennedy in the end zone. Kaelan Reilly would block a Gator third down punt return on Lakeshore’s 20 yard line which resulted in a Thunder field goal putting the Thunder down by just three to last year’s Golden Horseshoe Champions.

In the fourth quarter, the Gators would come back from a 22 point deficit with a diving touchdown by Mack Jones, a 35 yard touchdown pass by Snyder to Enzo Lariccia, Majoros with his second running touchdown and an additional field goal by the Thunder’s Matt Lane who had three on the day.

“Matthew Lane was excellent going three of four in field goals, punting at about 35 yards a kick, executing perfect onside kicks and even ran for a critical first down mid 2nd quarter to kick start our comeback,” commented Thunder defensive coordinator Mark Antonelli.  “He is in my opinion a CIS caliber kicker.”

Ultimately,  it wasn’t enough for the Thunder to get the win.

“Although we had maximal effort, we lacked execution,” assessed Antonelli.  “Our players knew their assignments, but just did not finish their tackles, or take that extra step.”

“We need to slow down as a defense and be smart with our aggression.  Other players were just too passive, and lacked aggressiveness completely.”

In Week 3, the Thunder host Saint Paul in their home opener.  For the team to win, Antonelli says the Thunder will have to be smart with their aggression.

“Some players have shown to me in Week 1 and 2 that they are not ready yet, while others are chomping at the bit,” said Antonelli.  “I am making some adjustments on my end with personnel.”

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