OVFL Season Review: Varsity Raiders send strong message with much improved season

Finishing with just one win in 2011, the Raiders shook off an opening week beating by the Cumberland Panthers and sailed to four victories in their next five games to improve their record to 4-2.

Over that five game stretch, the Raiders were rolling on offence and stingy on defence. They proved they could shut down opposing offences, allowing under 10 points three times in that stretch.

The Raiders also proved they could launch effective ground and aerial attacks with their own offence. They scored an average of 29 points per game during that five game run, where they notched victories against Kingston, Oshawa, Halton and their neighbouring rivals the Newmarket Bucs.

The progress slowed down in the final stretch of the season, however. They dropped a disappointing game to Etobicoke on the road, and finished the year in a tough situation with two games against playoff-bound teams.
The Raiders were blown out by a strong Metro Toronto Wildcats team, and then put up a good fight against Cumberland but lost by just eight points to finish the season just under .500.

For a team that spent the entire 2011 season in the basement of the OVFL, a 10^th place finish in a league of 22 teams is certainly an improvement.

On defence, Anthony Caverley dominated with nine interceptions in nine games. Sam Montazeri led the team with 67 tackles and Kyle Lees put together a great year with 54 tackles. The unit wasn’t always consistent, but put together a handful of strong games that pushed the team to the cusp of the playoffs.

On offence, QB Marcus Arkarakas threw for 1134 yards and ran for 410 more. He was efficient in moving the ball and getting the offence downfield. Arkarakas had a bit of trouble finishing off drives, finding the end zone 15 times but just 6 of them came through the air.

The Raiders’ double threat backfield of Nicholas Morassut and Graeme Ward combined for1276 yards and 8 touchdowns, making for a balanced rushing and passing attack. Keegan Munro caught four touchdowns at wide receiver and gained 513 yards, while Kenny Fuentes pitched in 494 yards and two touchdowns.

Overall, the Raiders took a major step in the right direction in 2012, but are going to have to work hard to improve their 4-5 record in 2013 considering the poor play of their junior varsity squad.