OVFL: JV Ironmen cruise into the playoffs on a high note

“I’m happy how we responded after last week,” said head coach Ken McGuire, “You know your defence is playing well when they shut down a good offence like Kingston’s. We only gave up two big pass plays and the one was just a beautiful throw by the quarterback, not much you can do about that.”

While Kingston’s quarterback was having trouble hitting the big plays, Ironmen quarterback Liam Putt was making it look all too easy. Putt finished with 379 yards passing, while accounting for all 28 of Hamilton’s points throwing 2 touchdown passes and rushing for 2 more scores of his own.

“He looked like a little Joe Montana out there,” said McGuire of his quarterback, “he made good decisions all game, he was very accurate when he went deep and he threw underneath when he had to. He took what he was given instead of trying to force the big play, which he might’ve tried earlier in the season.”

While Putt played outstanding he had some help from his reliable receiving corps. Marc Fournier had several big catches while wide receiver Billy Olds played what McGuire felt was his best game of the season. Wide receiver Donta Smith had another solid outing turning a short pass into a 65-yard gain, cementing himself as a threat to score from anywhere on the field.

While the offence was clicking, the defence was busy shutting down a Grenadier offence that has averaged 36.9 points a game. The iron curtain was up once again, as Hamilton forced Kingston into punting situations while breaking up passes and forcing a fumble.

“We should’ve had about 5 interceptions if the guys could’ve just caught them. Then again, that’s why they’re on defence,” joked McGuire.

The special teams unit also played another good game, with return man Angelo Del Sordo nabbing the “Special Teams Player of the Week” honours.

With the win Hamilton improves to 6-2, setting up a home playoff date against the Niagara Spears. Hamilton bested Niagara in their lone meeting this season winning 21-17 on the road.

“We’re really confident heading into this game. We’re playing them at home this time and Niagara has a real good running back in Mackenzie Jones, we feel that if we can stop him and force them to do different things on offence, we’ll win this game,” said McGuire.

With all the pieces coming together for the Ironmen, Hamilton is poised to make a deep playoff run.

“We’re peaking at the right time,” admits McGuire, “I mean obviously we’ve got to focus on the Niagara game first, but these guys really want another shot at Mississauga or Essex and as a coach that’s what you want to hear. We’re confident no matter who we’re playing.”

The OVFL playoffs start this weekend, pitting Hamilton (6-2) against Niagara (4-4) at Ron Joyce Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Game time is scheduled for 1:00pm.