***UPDATED SEPT 17/14 @ 10:30 AM EST***
Things may look just a little bit different when it comes to the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).
This fall, the league has decided to mirror other sports disciplines by adapting a three tiered division model. Teams that fall under each division were determined by school population. As it has been the case in past seasons, teams have the option to move up or down a division.
In the Nova Division (1st Tier), defending Provincial Champions Sir John A MacDonald Flames, finalists Charles P Allen Cheetahs, 2013 Tier 2 Champions Prince Andrew Panthers, 2013 Tier 2 finalists Halifax West Warriors, Citadel Phoenix, Horton Griffins, Cobequid Educational Centre (CEC) Cougars and Auburn Drive Eagles will battle it out.
The teams that make up the Scotia Division (Tier 2) include Cole Harbour Cavaliers, Dartmouth High Spartans, JL Ilsley Judges, Lockview Dragons, Sackville High Kingfishers and Sydney Academy Wildcats.
Teams that will compete in the new third division include Avon View Avalanche, Central Kings Gators, Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals, Northeast Kings Education Centre (NEK) Titans, West Kings Wolverines.
At the conclusion of the regular season, the top four teams in each division will advance to the playoff round and compete for a provincial championship – meaning three champions (one for each division) will be crowned in 2014.
Here are the results from this past’s week action in the NSSAFFL:
(NOTE: At press time not all stats/scored were received; therefore, this page will be continued to be updated as more information does become available)
NOVA DIVISION (TIER 1):
CFC # 42 SIR JOHN A MACDONALD FLAMES 40, AUBURN DRIVE EAGLES 0 (MERCY RULE):
At Sir John A MacDonald, receiver Adam Duplesia scored two touchdowns as the host CFC # 42 Flames began defence of the Provincial Tier 1 Championship by earning a 40-0 shutout win over the Auburn Drive Eagles.
Devan Stevens tallied a major and racked up a combined 100 rushing/receiving yards. Adam Bennett’s first high school game was a memorable one as he rushed into the end zone for a score. Ryan Merlin added a punt return major and also had over 100 combined yards. A blocked punt by Josh DeGruchy resulted in Robie Holland recovering the ball and taking it into the end zone for a touchdown score.
Pivot Seth Lane completed 11 passes in 16 attempts for 184 yards and two passing touchdowns in his first high school start.
Liam Bennett led the Flames defense as he registered seven solo tackles. Holland and Jack Chiasson each contributed with three tackles a piece.
“Robie and Josh dominated the interior of this football game,” commented Flames Head Coach Steve Majury of the team’s defensive performance. “Jack Chiasson was stellar all day for the Flames defence with 3 solo tackles and tremendous leadership.”
“Nick Bennett played strongly all game setting the edge and Josh Pinfold played a physical game in his high school debut. Our secondary did a great job containing the Eagles pass game with tight coverage and great breaks on the ball.”
Equally, the Flames Head Coach was impressed with the team’s offense and special teams.
“Our offensive linewas tremendous in controlling the line of scrimmage today and very aggressive on their run blocks (Morgan Larson, Jadon Robinson, Brandon Snow, Tristan Williams, Nick Morrissey and Spencer Carlton) were dominant,” assessed Majury. “Matt McVeigh had a strong first game with three catches and Thomas Hoyt was solid despite limited touches putting up 50 yards of offence for us.”
“The Flames were very strong on special teams as well, dominating field position from start to finish.”
The Flames will face one of the toughest challenges of the season as they will battle the Charles P Allen Cheetahs in a rematch of the 2013 NSSAFFL Tier 1 Provincial Championship Game. This battle will take place on Friday September 19th, 2014 at 7:00pm at CP Allen. As for the Eagles, the team will face Prince Andrew Panthers on Thursday September 18th at 4:30pm at Burnside Turf
CHARLES P ALLEN CHEETAHS 33, PRINCE ANDREW PANTHERS 9:
Will Chamberlain tallied three majors and rushed for 128 yards at the Charles P Allen Cheetahs cruised to a 33-9 victory over Prince Andrew Panthers.
Duncan Patterson completed 10 passes in 19 attempts for 181 yards. He also connected with Greg Hutchins for a one yard touchdown.
Hutchins added two field goals, four PAT’s and two singles in the win.
On defense, Matt Bayne led the way as he had a fumble recovery and registered 7.5 tackles. Brad Bevan added two tackles.
Charles P Allen Cheetahs will now battle Sir John A MacDonald Flames in a rematch of the 2013 NSSAFFL Tier 1 Championship. Both teams will meet on Friday September 19th, 2014 at 7:00pm at CP Allen. As for the Panthers, the team will battle Auburn Drive Eagles on Thursday September 18th at 4:30pm at Burnside Turf
CITADEL PHOENIX 52, COBEQUID EDUCATIONAL CENTRE COUGARS 0:
At Charles P Allen, Tyler Martin tallied two majors and rushed for 88 yards on six carries as Citadel Phoenix tamed Cobequid Educational Centre (CEC) Cougars 52-0.
Marco Xidos also scored two touchdowns while Shaun Lund also dashed to the end zone for a score. Ryan Ingham caught an interception and converted it into a touchdown for the Phoenix.
Both Phoenix pivots saw playing time and equally contributed to the victory. David Luke has nine completions in 11 attempts for 157 yards and two passing touchdowns. Simon Richardson completed eight passes in 10 attempts for 172 yards and a passing touchdown.
Ian Farrell racked up 85 yards on three receptions while Benson Auld had 65 yards on two receptions.
Tommy Grant registered five solo tackles to lead the Phoenix defense. Jonah Williams recorded two sacks.
“Although they may not get noticed in the stats, our offensive line came out and were dominant,” assessed Phoenix Offensive Coordinator Jon Dyer after the win. “They played hard and smart all game and our success was a direct result of their effort.”
“Our defense was lights out, forcing turnovers and providing great field position. Both our quarterbacks, Simon Richardson and David Luke managed the game and made some big plays down field. Tyler Martin is proving to be very dangerous with the ball in his hands and had a great day running behind our offensive line. It was a great team win by everyone.”
While this was a decisive victory, the Phoenix recognizes that there is still room for improvement going forward.
“We had some ball security issues with some of our players,” said Dyer. “We won’t be able to do that in close games and that needs to be corrected immediately.”
“Overall, it was a great first step in the right direction but we need to keep improving each week. There is still plenty of room for that.”
Citadel Phoenix will host the Horton Griffins on Saturday September 20th at Mainland Commons. Kickoff is 6:00pm. As for the Cougars, the team will host Halifax West Warriors on Sunday September 21st at James MacPherson Stadium. Start time is 1:00pm.
HORTON GRIFFINS 23, HALIFAX WEST WARRIORS 7:
At Mainland Commons, Luke Oulton, Isaac Melanson and Mike Ogilvie each tallied majors to power the Horton Griffins to a 23-7 victory over Halifax West Warriors.
Justin Bower connected with Alex Lander for the lone Warriors touchdown. Aergus Land rushed for 102 yards on 18 carries.
Horton Griffins will be on the road this week as the team battles Citadel Phoenix on Saturday September 20th, 2014 at Mainland Commons. Start time is 6:00PM. Halifax West Warriors will travel to Truro to take on the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars on Sunday September 21st, 2014 at James MacPherson Stadium. Kickoff is 1:00PM.
SCOTIA DIVISION (TIER 2):
COLE HARBOUR CAVALIERS 54 DARTMOUTH HIGH SPARTANS 0
Stats not available at press time
JL ILSLEY JUDGES 43 SYDNEY ACADEMY WILDCATS 6:
After building up an 18-0 lead by halftime, the JL Ilsley Judges never looked back. This past weekend, the Judges trounced the Sydney Academy Wildcats 43-6.
Both Riley Ambrose and Justin Townsend scored two touchdowns to lead the Judges. Additionally, Peter Godfrey and Jamal Manuel each tallied a major.
As for the Wildcats, Tegan Davis scored the lone touchdown for the team.
JL Ilsley Judges will host Cole Harbour Cavaliers on Sunday September 21st at Graves Oakley. Kickoff is 1:00pm. Meanwhile the Wildcats will be on the road to visit the Lockview Dragons on Saturday September 20th at 3:30pm.
LOCKVIEW DRAGONS 32, SACKVILLE HIGH KINGFISHERS 24:
Stats not available at press time
DIVISION/TIER 3:
CENTRAL KINGS GATORS 27, NORTHEAST KINGS TITANS 13:
At Central Kings, Ben Best scored two touchdowns and rushed for 135 yards on 13 carries at the host Gators defeated Northeast Kings Titans 27-13.
Matthew Priestnall rushed for 24 yards on five carries. Peter Mackey had 70 yards on three receptions while Eric Holliefield 73 yards on two receptions. Connor Ross completed seven passes in 16 attempts for 157 passing yards.
Noah Graves led the Gators defensive with three solo tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery. Matthew Priestnall registered four solo tackles and caught an interception.
“It was a very good game,” commented Gators Head Coach Larry Priestnall. “Northeast Kings have a good team with much talent and are well coached.”
“Central Kings played well as a group and came out with the win.”
The Central Kings Gators will now enjoy a bye this upcoming week. As for the Northeast Kings Titans, the team will host Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals on Sunday September 21st in Canning at 1:00pm.
AVONVIEW AVALANCHE 12 DR JOHN HUGH GILLIS ROYALS 6:
Stats not available at press time
Photo credits:
Sir John A MacDonald Flames (Robie Holland) – Mark Kays
Josh DeGruchy – BD Photography
Charles P Allen Cheetahs – Joe Chrvala
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