ONT (WCSSAA): Defenses lead teams to victory, earning spots in semifinals

Quarterfinals took centre stage in Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA) action this past week.  Mother nature decided to play her cruel hand in a few of the games.

In a week where the wind picked up, temperatures dipped and rain came down sideways, teams had to play not only their opponent but Mother Nature as well.

Here’s how it unfolded:

CFC #9 Resurrection Phoenix 27, Preston Panthers 8

Preston was the 1-4 team nobody wanted to face; however,  CFC#9 Resurrection Phoenix dispatched of them in the quarterfinals.

“We were prepared to face a very tough opponent, and that is exactly the Preston team that showed up,” said Phoenix head coach Kyle Armour.

He added that the Panthers played with a stingy defense, used both their running backs and spread the ball around to keep his team on their toes. Armour called the game a big challenge.

As he has every game this season, receiver Marcus Joseph found the end-zone twice in a hard-hitting defensive game.

“Holding their offense to only eight points was a big accomplishment,” said Armour.  “We had a few extra days to prepare for this game and I was very proud of the way our guys stayed focused in the days leading up.”

Armour also said the team had lots of work to do if they want to get to the finals. Their next game is a rematch against Sir John A MacDonald Highlanders.

“They are our rivals and are extremely well coached,” said Armour of the two-time defending champions. “We will continue to compete hard against each other in practice everyday to ensure we are getting better for our next game.”

Sir John A. MacDonald Highlanders 22, St. Benedict Saints 14

The defending champions, Sir John A MacDonald Highlanders live to see another day.

The two-time defending champions have earned a spot in the semifinals. After failing to secure a bye through the first round of the playoffs, they had to go the extra long route to earn a spot.

However, it didn’t stop the visiting team from squeaking past the Saints in their quarterfinal tilt.

Running back Mike Lynch, who is emerging as an offensive power for the Highlanders, scored two key touchdowns in the win.

The loss was a bit of a disappointment for the Saints, who emerged as a contender this year.

“Unfortunately we lost George Monaghan to mono last week and he was averaging two touchdowns a game and he played both slot and defensive back,” said Saints Head Coach Robert Lowes of the team’s performance. “If George wasn’t sick, I feel we would have definitely gotten into the semifinal game.”

The Highlanders will look to knock out their archrivals, the Phoenix in their upcoming semifinal game.

CFC #11 Jacob Hespeler Hawks 40, Grand River Renegades 0

Another week, another shutout, another dominating performance from CFC#11 Jacob Hespeler Hawks

The Hawks forced several turnovers and kept the offense active.

Hawks Head Coach Greg White said the team’s play was most impressive in the second quarter and summarized the performance.

“Scoring 35 points in the second quarter against the wind,” he said.  “Defense posting another shutout.”

“Winning the turnover battle by a large margin.”

Despite dismantling of Grand River, White said the team is in the right place mentally while looking to improve.

“Mindset is excellent,” he said.  “Several of our players came back for one reason only.”

The Hawks next game is a showdown against the Elmira Lancers, a team White said people should be scared of when playoffs come around.

Carlton Smith led the way with two touchdowns for the Hawks.

Elmira Lancers 26, Eastwood Rebels 14

Through the mud, through the rain and through a fourth quarter with limited light, the Elmira Lancers and  Eastwood Rebels played a duel in conditions that felt like a movie.

The Lancers jumped out to an early lead as the team  capitalized off a sloppy offensive performance from the Rebels, taking advantage of five turnovers in just the first half.

At halftime, the Lancers led 21-0.

The Rebels tried to stage a bit of a comeback, but ultimately it was too late as the Lancers held on to advance to the semifinals.

Mitch Kernick put up 20 of the 26 points for the Lancers.

Division “C” regular season scores:

Forest Heights Trojans 17, Galt Ghosts 14

Waterloo Oxford Crusadors 12, Southwood Sabres 10

Kitchener Waterloo Raiders 9, Monsignor Doyle 7

Southwood Sabres 7, Galt Ghosts 5