Three years ago, the Banting Marauders took a GBSSA championship. Since then, the dream of another championship has been just out of reach.
The senior team followed the impressive 45-13 performance by the juniors, also playing Barrie Central.
No doubt, with seasoned veterans of the craft, this game was assumed to be easy. Although the seniors did win, the game was far from easy. It seemed Central’s defence packed more than a punch. Taylor Barclay, Banting’s quarterback lead his team with finesse, throwing 2 picks and running the ball when all else failed. Thomas Troop and Connor Murphy were powerful outlets in the running scheme, receiving many touches during sweeps and thundering up the middle, but in the end it was the defence who ran the show. Chayse Oliver, Eric Hutterer and Jayden Norcross delivered massive blows and stopped Barrie’s running game. Chayse Oliver, especially, who was returning from a concussion seemed to contribute to every single tackle on the field. He also recovered a fumble during a crucial run in the game. Eric Hutterer recovered a fumble as well, forcing a couple and contributing to many stops within the game. Jayden Norcross, deprived of a summer of TNT Football was back full stride playing safety. In the end, after wrestling for the ball in the fourth quarter the Marauders came out on top, 15-8.
One must wonder what their secret to success must be, as they are 2-0 in the season and have blown away their competition, on offense and defence. Harnessing all potential talent from the area, with the likes of the summer football league, TNT Express and other excellent players the Banting Marauders have truly set the tone for their best year ever. This is only possible of course, with fantastic coaching staff. Brian Haas, the heart and soul of Banting’s football operation suspects this could be their best year in a long time. Despite early injuries for each team, they have played solidly and can only hope to improve even more and potentially win GBs.
Pictures & Story: Lindsay Nemeth (eLeMeNt photography)
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