OVFL GAME PREVIEW: Varsity Spears look to remain undefeated

With the Ontario Varsity Football League season entering it’s eighth week, the Niagara Spears will look to stay undefeated when they take on the London Mustangs in their last game of the regular season.

The Spears’s final game will take place on July 9, seven days after their dominating performance against the Cambridge Lions. Despite coming off a 42-27 win, assistant coach Nathan Zavarella is still not taking anything lightly.

“The road does not get any easier heading into this week versus London. After a win against a strong team like Cambridge, it is absolutely crucial we keep showing up to work hard and not become complacent,” he said.

“We expect London to come out firing hard to secure their spot in the playoffs,” he said. “London knocked us out of the playoffs in the first round last year and we have not forgotten that. This team is always a contender and a tough match up.”

The game commences at 8:00pm and Zavarella said that London has both a strong offense and defense. On the offensive side of the ball, he said London does a phenomenal job giving their athletes time and space with the ball. “They look to expose holes in the defense by out numbering them at the point of attack. It will take a lot of film and preparation to be ready for their offence,” he added.

Defensively, London’s defense can capitalize on the small mistakes. Zavarella said if his team is not careful with the ball, the mistakes could lead to pivotal damage against them on the scoreboard. The goal for the Spears’ offense is to take care of the football, not put the defense in a bad field position and keep the ball secure. Last game, Zavarella added the team gained some tough yards on the ground with their running backs and their quarterback.

During the practices, Zavarella said the goals are to limited the mental mistakes and understand the reason behind the concepts they’re running. Last game, two players were dead from the snap because the players lined up in the wrong spot. “This lead to the drive being killed and forced us to punt. Mistakes like that could cost you the game,” he added.

“Defensively, we need to be more confident in the coverage’s and schemes that are called. We got caught flat footed a couple times in the secondary that almost lead to huge gains and a couple scores,” Zavarella said.

The Spears also need to work on their special teams unit Zavarella said. Last week, he said they were out schemed and had poor tackling, which ultimately lead to Cambridge having great field position to begin drives.

“This week for us it is important to not sit back and enjoy the fact we are secured in the playoffs. Most coaches and players out there would agree that going into the playoffs with a previous loss is not a good thing,” Zavarella said. “The Mustangs are a very well coached team complimented by great athletes and linemen. They are never easy to prepare for. They do a great job at sticking with their game plans and making teams quit before the end of the game. We will be in for a tough fight this weekend.”

He added, “We want this win and we want to keep momentum on our side heading into the playoffs. London needs a win this week in order to secure for the top 4 in the Adams division. It will be a great game to attend.”