βAt the beginning of the year we tried a 3-4 defense,β stated Palladino.
In the first three weeks of the season, Ottawa was 1-3.Β Β They won their week two matchup against the Cumberland Panthers 8-5.
βWe got away from that.Β Β We went back to the basic 4-3,β stated Palladino.
Since Coach Palindino went back to old school basics they have been undefeated.Β Β In the second half of the season Ottawaβs defense has played a tremendous.
Although the Myers Riders have had an exceptional second half they are still the underdog.
βWe are feeling great,β stated Palladino.Β Β βOnly one more win away from winning it all.β
Looking for a few players to keep an eye on during Saturdayβs game?Β Β Keep looking. Throughout the season Palindino hasnβt been able to pick out any key players on his team.
βWe donβt have one individual that is a superstar,β stated Palladino.Β Β βI could name them all.β
Without them all together, this team wouldnβt be where we are.β
The Riders have a 53% pass completion with 2035-yards, 132 first downs and 18 majors, all from the passing game. Quarterback Nick Gorgichuk will be a huge contender for Ottawa. Gorgichuk passed for 2686-yards and ran for 255-yards.
The whole defensive line will be no exception.Β Β Since the beginning of the playoffs, the Riders have allowed 32-points.Β Β Their last game they shutout the Toronto Thunder 26-0.
βWeβre going up that mountain but we havenβt gotten to the peak yet,β stated Palladino.
βAfter the game [Saturday] should be the peak, when we are winning this all.β
Head coach Chris Bertoia and the London Jr. Mustangs have every reason to be positive going in to Saturdayβs game.Β Β They have sailed through this season going undefeated.Β Β With a commanding 445-points-for and mere 152-points-against.
βOur team is motivated and focused to achieve the goal [that] was set at the start of the season,β exclaimed Bertoia.
Although the Riders have been seen as the underdog, Bertoia is prepared for Saturdayβs game.
βThe Myers Riders have been on a great run in the playoffs,β stated Bertoia.
βThey have momentum and confidence right now.β
However Bertoia will put forth his best players to bring home a championship.Β Β Like any coach though, not one individual can be named.Β Β For the Mustangs itβs the players who make the team who they are today.
βEach week this season, a different player has stepped up and been a difference maker.β
The Mustangs have a 56% pass completion with 1642-yards, 132 first downs and 43 majors, with a majority of them from their rushing game.Β Β Londonβs biggest threat may very well be QB Colin Drennan.Β Β He has raked in 1938-passing-yards, his longest being 105-yards.
βWe werenβt supposed to win against Metro [Toronto].Β Β We werenβt supposed to win against [Toronto] Thunder,β stated Palladino. βAnd weβre not supposed to win against London.β
βIt is David and Goliath, round three.β
CanadaFootballChat.com will be providing aΒ pay-per-view (PPV) live streamΒ of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) finals on August 18th.Β Β All three games will be broadcasted.
OVFL CHAMPIONSHIPS
OSHAWA CIVIC CENTRE AUGUST 18
VARSITY: 7:00pmΒ Ottawa Myers vs London
JUNIOR: 3:30pmΒ Pickering vs Mississauga
BANTAM: 12:00pmΒ Ottawa Myers vs Brampton
The PPV will be a $5.99 ‘day-passβ, which will allow you access to any of the broadcast games.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR PAY PER VIEW
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
Season Preview: Tommy Douglas DL Fleury chasing redemption and respect
