OVFL GAME PREVIEW: Stakes are high as Grenadiers seek first place in Wettges Conference

The Kingston Grenadiers are eyeing to remain perfect (3-0-0) heading into an anticipated Week 4 matchup against the Ottawa Myers Riders.

The Myers Riders have been consistently impressive all season, winning their games by an average of 43 points.

However, the Grenadiers won’t be fazed.

After their first three games, the Grenadiers rank second in the Wettges Conference in points for and against, trailing only the Myers Riders.

Saturday’s bout has first place implications stamped all over it, but that’s not what the Grenadiers are primarily focused on.

Back-to-back playoff losses to the Riders the past couple of seasons has the team still feeling sour, but Head Coach Mark Magee mentioned they’re ready to be tested and have been for some time.ab55f7ed-2747-424b-8e10-0b8ffe43a8b7_small

“We’ve been waiting a while for this one,” he said. “But the guys know it’s one game, one play at a time.”

“We treat the Riders with the same respect we do to other teams … it’s no different.”

The Grenadiers’ methodical approach to games this season has clearly been successful, and their record shows for it, but the Riders are going to be their biggest challenge yet.

The Ottawa-based club rank first in rushing and second in both passing and receiving in the OVFL.

Jean-Paul Cimankinda, the Myers Riders’ running back, will be depended on early. The OVFL’s leading rusher averages 11 yards per carry and has scored six touchdowns this season which is double the amount of the second-leading rusher.

Through three games, though, the Grenadiers’ defense has looked stellar and they should continue to be.

The Riders rushing attack will be met by a dominant front-seven who has accounted 84 per cent and 72 per cent of the team’s total assisted and solo tackles.

Keep an eye on Grenadiers’ linebacker Taylor Stalkie and defensive lineman Chad Stymest. The pair combined for three sacks in the team’s Week 3 win against the Oshawa Hawkeyes.

Another key for the Grenadiers will be their return game.

The Grenadiers are leading the OVFL in punt returns at an average of 21 yards per return and are third in kickoff returns at 19.

As effective as the Myers Riders have been on offense and the Grenadiers on defense this season, this matchup will likely be tight. And with first-place in the Wettges Conference up for grabs, fans are in for one amazing game.

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