ONT (GHAC): Connolly powers CFC #32 Cardinals to first ever title

For the first time since 2007, a Hamilton Catholic team has earned a spot in the OFSAA Bowl Series.

Justin Connolly scored three touchdowns to lead CFC #32 Cardinal Newman Cardinals to a 31-24 victory over CFC #22 Assumption Crusaders in the Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference (GHAC) title.

With this victory, the Cardinals win their first GHAC championship.

Early In the first quarter, Connolly snuck into the end zone for a one yard run to put the Cardinals on the scoreboard.  Then minutes later, quarterback Matt Metcalfe connected with Connolly for a 29 yard major to put the Cardinals up by 14 points.

However, the Crusaders would strike early in the second quarter as Jordan Lyons ran the ball all the way into the end zone for a 45 yard run.  Soon after, Terrance Giangregorio was successful on a 23 yard field goal attempt to pull the Crusaders within four points of the Cardinals.

At halftime, the Cardinals enjoyed a slim 14-10 lead.

In the third quarter, Connolly would score his third touchdown of the game, again on a one yard run.  Additionally, Metcalfe connected with Clark Adams for a 62 yard major to strengthen the lead 30-10.

The Crusaders tried to mount a late comeback.  Lyons scored his second touchdown of the day as he ran into the end zone for a 30 yard score.  Then Lyons connected with Tyler Bryk for a 22 yard major.

Ultimately, the comeback was too little too late.  Moreover, the Crusaders did not play a disciplined game as the team drew 107 penalty yards in the game.

Connolly amassed 122 rushing yards on six carries to go along with his three majors.  Metcalfe had eight completions in 13 attempts and two passing touchdowns for the Cardinals.

For the Crusaders, Lyons racked up 170 rushing yards on 13 carries in addition to his two touchdowns in the game.

With this victory, the Cardinals move on to the OFSAA Bowl Series where the team will battle Toronto District Catholic Athletic Association (TDCAA) representative, Don Bosco Eagles on Friday November 29^th in Etobicoke at Centennial Stadium.

A2013 GHAC Senior Football – Championship Summary

 

Assumption Crusaders     24               vs.     Cardinal Newman Cardinals                 31

First HWCAA team to advance to OFSAA since 2007

 

Qtr.        Team     Time                      Play                          Convert                         Running

 

1^st        CN      2:32     Justin Connolly, 1 yard run                             Marcus DiLoreto         CN 7-0

1^st        CN      10:48   Justin Connolly from Matt Metcalfe, 29 yds. Marcus DiLoreto         CN 14-0

2^nd        Assm   9:33     Jordan Lyons, 45 yard run                              Terrance Giangregorio             CN 14-7

2^nd        Assm   11:54   Terrance Giangregorio, 23 yard field goal      n/a                               CN 14-10

3^rd        CN      4:23     Justin Connolly, 1 yard run                             Marcus DiLoreto         CN 21-10

3^rd        CN      5:07     Safety touch, tackle in end zone                     n/a                               CN 23-10

3^rd        CN      5:39     Clark Adams from Matt Metcalfe, 62 yds.    Marcus DiLoreto         CN 30-10

3^rd        Assm   10:24   Jordan Lyons, 30 yard run                              Terrance Giangregorio  CN 30-17

4^th        Assm   2:29     Tyler Bryk from Jordan Lyons, 22 yds.          Terrance Giangregorio             CN 30-24

4^th        CN      6:15     Neal Sullivan, rouge, wide fg                         n/a                               CN 31-24

 

TEAM STATS

Assumption                                        Cardinal Newman

 

Rushing (att.-yds.)                  20-218                                                 35-204

Passing Yards                         176                                                      208

– Team Losses                         -16                                                       -6

Net Offence                            372                                                      406

First Downs                            17                                                        20

Return Yards                          36                                                        101

Fumbles-Lost                          2-2                                                       1-1

Turnover on Downs                1                                                          1

Interceptions by                      0                                                          0

Penalties-Yards                       12-107                                                 10-80

 

INDIVIDUAL STATS

CRUSADERS                                   CARDINALS

 

Rushing (atts.-yds.)                  Jordan Lyons 13-170, 2 tds                Mitchell Atlee 9-112

Adam Van Kooten 3-31                     Matt Metcalfe 9-46

Receiving (cat.-yds.)                Tyler Bryk 4-55, td                             Justin Connolly 6-122, td

Zaid Da Wood 2-52                            Clark Adams 1-62, td

Passing                                    Adam Van Kooten 9-21-0-0               Matt Metcalfe 8-13-2-0

(comp.-atts.-tds-int)               Jordan Lyons 1-1-0-0                          Marcus DiLoreto 1-1-0-0

 

Cardinal Newman advance to O.F.S.A.A. Football Festival.  They will play Don Bosco Eagles (T.D.C.A.A. Champs) of Toronto on Friday November 29 kicking off at 11:30 a.m. at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke.

(Game summary:  John Metcalfe)

Photo credit:  Gary Yokoyama, Hamilton Spectator