OVFL preview: Varsity Spears expect big things as result of team play & ‘Accountability’

Looking at the Spears varsity team this year, brings me back to the days when they could not lose, would not lose. This young group of men have the fight and intensity in them that CFLer John Surla or CIS all star Ryan Chmielewski brought when they played Spears.

Coach David Howe is at it again getting his team ready to fight for a championship. He has the leadership and devotion of a university coach without the pay. Coach Howe is Spears football. Howe coaches for the love of the game and to make every player better any way he can. He starts with getting the right coaches, that are in it to win it.

First year defensive coordinator Ron Traub has taken the defense by the reigns and is molding the players from children into men with discipline and passion. I can see when the players make a mistake, that they are more disappointed they let down there coach and other teammates then for themselves getting the stats. The defense is looking very strong out there and will make any offense they face fight for every single inch, even their own offense. Big hitters Alan Florez, Matthew Babion, and Josh Forester are going to punish the offense every chance they get, while ball hawks Troy Huneault, Josh March and Matt Selby will make the opposing quarterback pay by picking off anything that comes their way. If that’s not enough for the O then Donnie Egerter and Calvin Ferguson will be bringing the pain from the d-line.

Offensively, quarterback Reed Richardson can throw…. and run. He is a big body that will be hard to take down in the pocket and if the pocket ever collapses he’s not scared to tuck the ball and lower that shoulder. He will be well protected behind beasts like Josh Evans and Zack Cefaratti. With Coach Steve Patrick on the offensive side of the ball expect to see some interesting plays. He is a gutsy coach and for the most part it pays off. Adam Evans is one of the most explosive players on offense come up with a big play that can change the momentum of the game at any time.

This Spears team is one of the most selfless teams I have seen in a while. Every single player is playing for his team mate beside him and they hold each other accountable. That is a big word for the team this year ‘Accountability.’ If there is ever a short attendance at practice or if someone does not show up Coach Patrick brings up to the players to hold their teammates accountable for not coming and they do.

In the Spears first scrimmage they showed a lot of promise and a few things that needed to be worked on but seeing them as of late, they look ready to go and they still have a full week of practice to get ready for a game that is tough for the Spears every year with the Mississauga Warriors. I advise anyone that is free Saturday May 26 to come out and watch the sparks fly. The Niagara Spears are ready and they will prove this early and bring it all game long.