OVFL GAME PREVIEW: Varsity Warriors look to bounce back in road game

The 3-2 Varsity Mississauga Warriors will travel to Hamilton in Week 7 to take on the 1-4 Ironmen at McMaster University.

With Mississauga entering Week 6 as a 3-1 team, the Warriors walked away rather disappointed as they thoroughly beaten by the visiting Cambridge Lions. After getting down early to the Lions, Head Coach of the Varsity Warriors Lucas Cenedese noted that it is important for his players to have the ability to battle through tough moments.

“We’re a younger team, and it showed a little bit with our immaturity that we weren’t able to battle back. We have to be mentally tough. We also have to just recognize that when they score, we have to go out there and make some plays and try and turn it around.”

Despite the large margin of defeat, Cenedese is intrigued by how his team will respond moving forward. The last time the Warriors lost by a significant margin, the team was able to pick a huge road win in Sault St. Marie to start a three-game winning streak.

Anticipating a physical and well-rested opponent in Hamilton, Cenedese is focused on making sure his players are maintaining the process and gradually showing improvement from week to week.

“For our guys, it’s about showing up on Tuesday and Thursday, getting the game plan in and getting after it on game day. It’s also important that we take care of the small things, get out here in practice and work hard.”

The Hamilton Ironmen will be eager to get back on the field as they are coming off their bye in Week 6. After losing their previous three games, Hamilton is hoping the extra week will serve them well heading into their matchup again the Warriors. While Hamilton is looking to end their losing streak and stay alive in the playoff hunt, Coach Cenedese is expecting a strong effort from the Ironmen.

“They are a lot better than their record shows. This team battles until the end and does not quit.”

Despite the record the Ironmen have compiled in 2016, the Warriors will not be taking their opponent lightly. Hamilton is known as a blue-collared, hard-working town, and their football team has embodied that culture within their identity. Knowing that Hamilton plays a physical brand of football, it will be important for the Warriors to match that intensity early and curtail the abilities of the Ironmen quarterback and athletes.