ONT (WCSSAA): Highlanders win & Panthers lose by one point margins

Week 5 results are in and once again it was a close battle for the Preston Panthers and an even closer game for Sir John A MacDonald Highlanders. With plenty of close games each week, its has come down to great defensive outings, big plays and turnovers each week. The season is still up in the air as to who will clinch first place.

Sir John A MacDonald Highlanders 19, Waterloo Collegiate Institute Vikings 18 (2OT):

The closest game of the year for Sir John A Macdonald saw some late game heroics and an impressive defensive showing. With an injured and beat up squad, the Highlanders had a handful of guys filling in for their teammates. A new group of men on the field always takes time to mesh and that was clear to see this week on the offense. Starting off slow and struggling, the WCI Vikings were able to keep the score close and hold the lead for the majority of the game.

Defensively however, the Highlanders came to play.

“Our defense came to play today holding the WCI offense at bay for most of the day,” said Highlanders Head Coach Josh Alexander.  “We had a standout performance by grade 11 LB Greg Zapp.”

Once again, a few players stepped up to surpass the opponent. Defensive back Mazin Khalil had an interception for a touchdown while wide receiver Justin Koenig hauled in one of his own. A special mention to star kicker Nathan Mesher who nailed a 42 yard field goal to put his team into the second overtime. Nate focused 100% on Highlanders football now after his impressive rookie season with the CJFL’s Twin Cities Predators. He was named to the OFC All-Star Team and led the league hitting 15 out of 16 field goals and 16 for 16 on converts. Mesher ended the year second overall in scoring in the OFC.

Alexander was impressed with his team’s perseverance all game.

“We had a 90 yard touchdown drive with the minutes left to tie the game and force overtime,”  said Alexander.

They sealed the deal in double overtime, beating the Vikings  by one  single point.

“This was a very exciting Battle of Waterloo,” said Alexander.  “Hats if to Coach Waters and his players for a great game.”

“We’re proud of our kids for sticking it out and showing great determination in finding a way to win.”

Bluevale Knights 26, Preston Panthers 25:

Each week, Preston Panthers have battled hard but seem to come up short. This week was no exception as they lost by one point to the Knights. Coach Jim Crone is still proud of his boys and knows they are fighting hard each week.

“That now makes 4 losses on the season by a combined score of 10 points,” said Crone.  “We continue to take too many penalties and make mistakes at critical times.”

This week, the Panthers’ running back Tyler Wismer scored all of their points and kept the team in the game.  Wismer stepped up and had the performance of the week as he rushed for 276 yards on the day scored three touchdowns. He also added three conversions, one field goal and a rouge. Wismer was unstoppable and kept the game extremely close. The Panthers didn’t have enough left in the tank to pull ahead in the fourth quarter and had to settle for the loss.

The Panthers are seeking redemption next week. They have been close too many times this season and are looking for a reason to celebrate.