ONT (WCSSAA): Final eight set for playoffs

The first round of the playoffs is in the books and the final eight are all set.

Here’s a look at what happened in the Waterloo County, as well as a bit of a primer for next week’s anticipated quarterfinal matchups

Eastwood Rebels (0-5) 37, Waterloo Vikings (3-2) 6:

The Rebels are back on track.

After starting the year 3-0, and allowing only a single point, the Rebels came off the rails the last two weeks with a 35-6 loss to St. Benedict Saints and 48-0 loss to CFC TOP 50 Jacob Hespeler Hawks.

But now they have a shot at redemption following a dominating first round win.

Tre Richardson rushed for two touchdowns and three other Rebels found the endzone in a great offensive display.

Adam Ziegler, Coach of the Rebels, said he “expected” to win the game.

Now the Rebels faces Elmira Lancers (4-1) – team that had been undefeated before their first loss of the year to Resurrection Phoenix last week.

It’s been a tough season for the Vikings.  Two one score losses vs. both Sir John A MacDonald Highlanders and Preston Panthers and another close call versus Elmira Lancers indicates that perhaps the Vikings are better then their record indicates.

“They’re a good team, but so are we,” said Ziegler. “We’re working very hard.”

Grand River Renegades (1-4) 20, Bluevale Knights (2-3) 14:

What would the playoffs be without an upset special?

The Renegades, coming off a dramatic overtime win over St. Mary’s Eagles , scored another nerve-wracking victory to keep their season alive.

Isaac Hallman hauled in two touchdowns for the Renegades.

Tough prize for the winner of this match. The winner has to play a Jacob Hespeler Hawks team that has outscored their opponents 278-13.

Worse news? Head coach Greg White has the Hawks focused on improvement.

“We want to minimize penalties,” said White.  “We feel we have taken too many.”

St. Mary’s Eagles (0-5) 28,  Sir John A. MacDonald Highlanders 8:

Sir John A. MacDonald Highlanders began their quest for a three-peat in unfamiliar territory – the first round.

But the Highlanders are showing that they’re ready for bigger competition after this weeks lopsided win.

Mike Lynch and Brian Mundy both scored two touchdowns as the Highlanders scored more than 24 points for the first time this year.

That had been the problem for the Highlanders this year. Their defense has kept them in games, they play physical and try to out work you but have yet to find their offensive star.

The Highlanders will take on St. Benedict Saints (4-1) next week.

The Saints say they are hungry to prove they belong competing with the best. Head coach Robert Lowes said the bye will come in very handy when having to prepare for a team like Highlanders.

“We are not a very deep team and that is one less game that we will have to play,” he said. “We’ll have a very focused practice schedule each day focusing on all aspects, offense, defense and special teams.”

Preston Panthers (1-4) @ Cameron Heights Golden Gaels (2-3)

How is Preston Panthers 1-4? It’s a question the media and head coaches alike are wondering heading into the postseason.

The Panthers entered the post-season with a vengeance trying to show they belonged with the league’s best.

They backed it up by dispatching of Cameron Heights Golden Gaels.

It must have felt nice for the Panthers, who have had a few tough games this year. All of their losses have come by 5 points or less. This includes a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to the 4-1 Elmira Lancers and after leading for most of the game, a collapse against CFC #10 Resurrection Phoenix.

Their play has made opposing coaches wary.

“Preston is a team to watch – they’re definitely better than their record indicates,” said Hawks Head Coach Greg White of the Panthers.

The Phoenix certainly won’t want to play them.

“They’re a very well coached team on both sides of the ball,” said Phoenix Head Coach Kyle Armour.  “They never take a play off.”

DIVISION C RESULTS

Galt Ghosts 21, Huron Heights Huskies 1

Forest Heights Trojans 11, St. David Greenbacks 7

Waterloo Oxford Crusaders 20, Kitchener Waterloo Raiders 7

Southwood Sabres 24, Glenview Park Panthers 8