OVFL: Varsity Warriors frustrated with 0-4 start after Ironmen victory

Missed opportunities. This could be the catch phrase for both teams. The Hamilton Ironmen Varsity squad visited the Mississauga Warriors Saturday in week 4 action of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). The young Warriors continue to ‘shoot themselves’ in the foot with undisciplined play and penalties…and the frustration is showing in their words and actions.

The first quarter saw both teams feel one another out. Ironmen QB Alex Hill was off target on many of his first quarter throws, missing on a variety of seam passes throughout the day. A missed field goal was the only scoring that the Ironmen accounted for in the opening quarter, leading 1 to 0 going into the second frame.

After a couple of ‘slow snaps’ by the Warriors punt team in the first quarter, the Ironmen decided to come after the Warriors on a 4th down punt play early in the second quarter. They were rewarded with a block and recovery deep in the Warrior end. A few plays later Hill hooked up with receiver Michael Hayes for the 15 yard score. After the convert the score was Hamilton 8 Mississauga 0.

The Ironmen defense again stopped the Warriors on their next drive around the 25 yard line. With 3 yards to go on fourth down and deep in their end, and apparently gun shy from the last punt block, the Warriors tried a 4th down punt fake. Not good, as the Warriors attempt was stopped and again Hamilton started with great field position. Unlike the last turnover though, the Ironmen could not convert as they had to settle for a field goal attempt, which was unsuccessful. The halftime score would remain 8 to 0.

The second half saw both offenses ‘wake up’ and score plenty of points. The Ironmen began the scoring parade on a play action pass from Hill to linebacker turn full back Joe Richardson.

This time the Warriors offense finally responded when QB Aaron Clarke hooked up with receiver Devante Hobbs for a 46 yard touchdown. The convert was successful making the score 15 to 7 Ironmen with 6:15 to go in the third quarter. The Warriors tried to capitalize on the momentum with an onside attempt but the ball did not travel the needed 10 yards to be legal and the Ironmen were awarded the ball in great field position. The Ironmen drove the ball a few yards but had to settle for a 52 yard field goal attempt…which kicker Domenic Bellardini put through the uprights to give the visitors a 18 to 7 lead. Great kick.

The Warriors put together their most impressive drive of the day on the next series. A nice fade pass to Keon Hughes and a big 3rd down conversion down to the Ironmen 5 yard line by Lukas Gavac were the big plays on the drive. It was Gavac who ended up scoring the TD on the last play of the quarter. The convert was blocked. 18 to 13 heading into the fourth.

The Ironmen showed great poise on the first series of the quarter. After a big sack by Warrior Ryan Correia, the Ironmen re-grouped and drove the ball down the field. The ‘big play’ of the game was when Ironmen receiver Jordan Robelo caught a high ball in traffic and 3 warriors tackled him, spinning him like a helicopter. Robelo maintained possession and sent the Ironmen bench into celebration. A few plays later, Hill used his legs on a naked boot to score his first TD, and after the convert the Ironmen went up 25 to 13. That was all the Ironmen needed for the victory and both teams traded touchdowns in the last few minutes. The Warriors, visible frustrated will have to find a way to ‘run the table’ in their last 4 games for a shot at the playoffs. Can this young team re-group? That’s why we play the games.

Final Score 32 to 19

CIS scouts:

Wilfrid Laurier – Brian Canton, Dave Morrisey, Pat Crabbe
Guelph – Kevin MacNeil, Brian ‘cluffer’ Cluff, Mike MacDonald
Western – Mickey Donovan
Waterloo – Mark Chernenko

Players to Watch:

Hamilton

DB Alex Bourgeois 28
LB/FB Joe Richardson 43
FS Anthony Trabucco 20
DL Melvin Baughan 56
RB Ryan Silvestri 24
QB Alex Hill 14 (picture)
REC Anthony Pizzuti 8
OL Steve Mbruanumwe 52
LB/K/P Domenic Bellardini 34

Mississauga

7 Aaron Clark QB
10 Keon Hughes REC
93 Ryan Correia DL
30 Kasean Davis RB
55 Sean Snary LB
51 Ese Mrabure-Ajufo DL