Preview: Varsity Myers Riders hungry for repeat, JV squad gearing up for tough battle

It’s all on the line for the Ottawa Myers Riders of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) this weekend.

The junior varsity and varsity teams will compete for the OVFL Championship at Carelton University this Saturday.

The junior varsity team will play the London Mustangs in the finals after defeating the Cumberland Panthers last weekend 23-19 in a game that came down to the wire.

They will face a tough Mustangs team that posted a 6-2 record in the season.

Head coach Matt Kassner noted that London has a well-balanced team. He said it is key for his team to stick to their system.

Moreover, the varsity team is also heading to the OVFL Championship Final in the hopes of a repeat victory.  They play the Essex Ravens on Saturday.

“Essex has a big run game,” says Head Coach Max Palladino.  “But we have the number one run defense.”

Palladino noted some keys to victory for his team.

“Our front seven has to play disciplined,” added Palladino.  “If they perform like they did all year we should be fine.”

This season ,the offense has been led by quarterback Matt Duffy.

“His biggest strength is his ability to read the field and pick up defenses,” said Palladino.

Duffy has amassed 2817 yards and 32 passing touchdowns this season.

One of Duffy’s key targets has been Jaegar Prot who has 14 touchdown receptions this year.

Palladino noted that the team is ready to go and are as hungry as ever to win another OVFL championship.

The junior varsity finals will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, while the varsity finals will get going at 7 pm at Keith Harris Stadium.