The Junior Varsity Newmarket Bucs lost 39-3 to the Niagara Spears on Saturday to drop to 0-2 on the season.
“It’s hard to take because we’re not an 0-2 team in my mind,” said Head Coach Jim Mancuso. “This is a high character team, they all still believe this season can be competed for.”
The loss was certainly a crushing one considering the teamβs impressive performance in Week 1βs 32-27 loss to Toronto. But this time, the Bucs just couldn’t keep up with a skilled Niagara team.
“We’re dealing with a lot of adversity right now,” said Mancuso. The team is dealing with numerous injuries and illnesses that have limited their playmaking abilities and flexibility.
The Bucs trailed just two scores at the start of the fourth quarter, but their limited depth eventually became exposed and impossible to overcome.
“But it’s no excuse,” Mancuso said. “Look for this team to put it all together and come out and firing on all cylanders next week.”
In Week 1, QB Harrison Mancuso carried the load and threw for three touchdowns, but in Week 2 QB Michael Arcuri outplayed him and threw for 98 yards compared to Mancusoβs 32. TE Athen Neale had a strong game with five receptions for 59 yards. Turnovers were once again a key factor in the loss, as Arcuriβs two interceptions shut down strong drives.
“This team stretches the field on offence really well,” said Mancuso. “We try to have a balanced attack.”
Defensive Troubles:
The Bucs allowed 380 yards of total offence and were torched for four touchdowns on the ground by an effective Niagara ground attack.
“We have a very aggressive D,” said Mancuso. “Our players all rally to the ball and we have some strong tacklers.”
The Bucs expect a handful of their injured players to return to action this weekend, which should ignite a stingier defence.
The Bucs will hope to rebound next Saturday against the lowly Etobicoke Eagles, who are 0-2 and have been outscored by a combined 72-0.
“The idea coming into the season was to turn a corner by installing strong fundamentals in the team,” said Mancuso. “I feel we’ve accomplished that, and I expect a turn around this week, nobody is hanging their head.”
2012 JV BUCS SEASON: 0-2
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