If you like lots of big defensive plays, change of momentum, and some great returns this was the game for you. The Essex Ravens visited the Mississauga Warriors in junior varsity Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) action on Saturday afternoon. The two teams battled in a game that could be summed up in one of two words – depending on which side of the ball you were on – turnovers / takeaways.

The Warriors started quickly on offense when QB Nate Hobbs (picture) hooked up with REC Alex Zulys for a 50 yard pass and run play on the first play of the game. Two plays later Hobbs hooked up with Joshua Congdon for the TD on a three play, three pass touchdown series. Gabriel Ferraro completed the convert to put the Warriors up 7 to 0.

The next drive the Ravens more methodically drove the field. The drive stopped on the Warrior 20 yard line and the Ravens lined up for 27 yard field goal attempt. The attempt was unsuccessful resulting in a turnover on downs at that spot…and the first of many, many turnovers on the day.

Actually just a few plays later the Warriors fumbled the ball and the Ravens recovered at the 25 yard line. Soon after Robert Herzog scored the potential game tying touchdown. Unfortunately for the Ravens the point after attempt was blocked and the score was 7 to 6, which held up through the first quarter.

The turnover fest started to ramp up in the 2nd quarter. Starting with a Warrior interception at their own 2 yard line…the next play the Warriors fumbled the ball and the Ravens scrimmaged 1st and goal from the Warrior 5 yard line. Three plays later the Ravens gave the ball right back to the Warriors in the form of a fumble.

Unlike the previous 3 drives the Warriors took advantage of a big pass play from QB John Perovic not Nate Hobbs as we earlier reported) to REC Joshua Perez who took the pass 72 yards to the house. After the Ferraro convert the Warriors were up 14 to 6.

The Ravens got the ball back but the ball hawking secondary of the Warriors intercepted the ball on the next drive, courtesy DB Mark Nespeca. But yet again, another turnover, this time on downs for the Warriors on the ensuing drive.

With less than three minutes to play in the half Ravens #28 Carson Ouellette intercepted a Hobbs pass and returned it to the Warrior 2 yard line. Soon after #35 Eli Fera punched the ball in making the half time score 14 to 12 for the Warriors.

While the second half continued with many more turnovers the Warriors managed to pull away on the arm of Hobbs and a few big special team plays. Final score was 42 to 12. Scoring TDs in the second half for the Warriors were Neill Brandon (reception), Tyerelle Ivey-Crichlow (reception), Jahvari Bennett (return), and Chris Kotselidis. Gabriel Ferraro converted all 6 touchdowns.

Players to Watch:
Essex
99 Nick Simone DE
35 Eli Fera RB
28 Carson Ouellette DB
24 Robert Herzog DB

Mississauga
5 Tyerelle Ivey-Crichlow REC
6 Alex Zulys REC
35 Chris Kotselidis LB
55 Bijan Amirkhani OL
61 Hiroki Kinoshita OL
94 Gurjant Singh

CIS scouts:
Pat Tracey – Queens
Stephen O’Brien – Guelph