RECAP: CFC#37 Phoenix marches into playoffs with perfect record

CFC#37 Citadel Phoenix has ended their season off on a perfect note in the Nova Division (Tier 1) Division of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).

After defeating the Prince Andrew Panthers 41-7 on Monday night, the Phoenix march into the playoffs with an undefeated 7-0 record and top seed.

Tyler Martin scored two touchdowns and rushed for 136 yards on seven carries to power the Phoenix offense. Ian Farrell tallied a major and amassed 82 yards on two receptions. Matt Lawen (2 yard) and Kian Ishani (13 yard) each scored a major for the victors. Nate Adams returned the ball for an 85 yard touchdown reception.

Pivot Simon Richardson completed nine passes in 13 attempts for 152 yards and two passing touchdowns.

“Our offensive line came out and dominated early,” assessed Phoenix Offensive Coordinator Jon Dyer after the win. “They brought a lot of pressure but we played smart and capitalized on some opportunities.”

“Simon Richardson was poised with pressure in his face and for the most part, checked down to the appropriate receivers and backs. Tyler Martin also had a big game exploding through some big holes provided by (CFC 100) Jon Harvey, Ted Curren, Stuart Allen, Quinton Milton, and Ollie Grant.”

Overall, the Phoenix was content with their performance against the Panthers, a team they respect. Moreover, this game was a positive indicator of the direction the team is heading towards in the postseason.

“That was a well fought game for both sides,” added Dyer. “Hats off to PA for playing a hard clean game; it was a lot of fun.”

“We were able to work on some new formations and schemes that will gear us up for playoffs. We’re very happy with the win as I think we improved in a lot of keys areas. It’s good to keep the momentum going as we prepare for the playoffs.”

Now it’s on to the Nova Division Tier 1 semi-finals. However, it will be déjà vu again for both these teams as they are pitted to meet each other this upcoming weekend. While there is confidence and momentum from this victory, there is no rest for the Phoenix as they get set to complete unfinished business.

“We’re going to back to practice and try to improve in all areas,” expressed Dyer. “We play PA again next week and I know they will be a better team as well.”

“They have some terrific athletes and are very creative. It’s critical that we keep taking steps forward. From here on out, one little mistake can be the difference between a Provincial Championship and going home early. We experienced that last year and I know our guys are hungry for redemption.”

Citadel Phoenix photo credits: Mona Ghiz, Ghiz Photography (www.GhizPhotography.com)

Here are the results from the rest of the action from the final games of the regular season in the NSSAFFL:

NOVA DIVISION (TIER 1):

SIR JOHN A MACDONALD FLAMES 73, HALIFAX WEST WARRIORS 0:

At Wanderer’s, Devan Stevens was an offensive beast as he tallied four majors and rushed for 200 yards as Sir John A MacDonald Flames crushed Halifax West Warriors 73-0.

Adam Bennett scored two touchdowns while Adam Duplisea dashed down the field for an 87 yard touchdown.

On defense, Liam Brennan registered five solo tackles.

With this win, the Flames end up as the third seed in the playoffs with a 5-2 record. The Flames will begin the defense of the Provincial Tier 1 Championship in a rematch of the 2013 Final against second seeded Charles P Allen Cheetahs this upcoming weekend.

“Our offence ran the ball extremely well led by our offensive lines tremendous effort,” commented Flames Head Coach Steve Majury. “Devan Stevens scored four touchdowns, rushed for 200 yards and really played a strong game after returning from injury.”

“Adam Bennett added two touchdowns as he continues to play great football. Adam Duplisea had a tremendous run for an 87 yard touchdown. We mixed in a good passing game from Seth Lane to keep our attack balanced. Our defence was exceptional again. This unit gets better every week and added two touchdowns in this game from Team Captain and defensive stalwart Jack Chiasson and hard-working rookie Luke Profitt. Josh DeGruchy is playing his best football and is a dominating player. Robie Holland continues to control the game with his excellent play. Liam Brennan had another strong game with five solo tackles. Our defence is playing football as a unit and with great emotion. Our Special Teams were extremely strong in coverage and tackling as well as the kicking game with Thomas Hoyt, Zak Dalloul and Ryan Merlin being big weapons for us every game.”

As for the Warriors, they knew going into this game it wasn’t going to be easy and gave props to their opponents for being successful in their execution plan.

“They told us they were going to come out hard to get ready for the playoffs, and they did,” assessed Warriors Head Coach Dave Kelly. “They were a much better team than us, they are a senior team and know what it takes to win games.”

“Halifax West is a young team and has to learn what it takes to win football games moving forward. SJA is a very strong team and I hope they get everything they deserve in the playoffs.”

In the coming days, the Flames will fine tune their game plan in preparation for their battle against the Cheetahs.

“Going forward we need to continue to improve our execution and reduce mental errors,” said Majury. “We love the effort and improved self-discipline that we are showing every week.”

“Now we must buckle down and make a massive push for our playoff drive.”

(Photo credits: Mark Kays, Mark Kays Photography)