CFC#39 Citadel Phoenix has secured the first seed in the Nova Division Tier 1 playoffs after earning a 35-0 shutout victory over Auburn Drive this past weekend in Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) action.
Tyler Martin and Shaun Lund each rushed into the end zone for a major. Additionally, Benson Auld and Kian Ishani each added receiving touchdowns for the Phoenix.
Pivot David Luke had two passing touchdowns. AJ Case added two field goals (31 and 20 yards).
Overall, the Phoenix were satisfied with the effort they put forth inching closer to the postseason.
“We came out and put some drives together after our defense got some early stops are gave us some great field position,” commented Phoenix Head Coach Jon Dyer after the game. “It was a good step in the right direction for our team going into playoffs.”
“This was a great opportunity to get our bench some much needed playing time and their development will pay dividends later this year and in years to come.”
With this win, the Phoenix achieved one of their main goals. However, the team is pushing towards in their quest to hoist the Provincial Tier 1 Championship in November.
“We have secured our first place seed which was the first step in our process,” added Dyer. “We just want to keep building momentum, gaining experience as a team and go into the playoffs healthy, focused, and ready to make a run for the Provincial title.”
Here are the rest of the results from this past week in the NSSAFFL:
SIR JOHN A MACDONALD FLAMES 55, COBEQUID EDUCATIONAL CENTRE COUGARS 0:
At Sir John A, Seth Lane passed for 260 yards as well as added three passing and two rushing touchdowns as the host Flames earned a 55-0 shutout victory over the visiting Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars.
Thomas Hoyt and Matt McVeigh each scored two touchdowns for the Flames. Adam Bennett racked up 160 yards.
Jack Chiasson led the Flames defense as he registered seven solo tackles, six assisted tackles and recorded a sack.
Flames Head Coach Steve Majury was impressed with team play of the defensive unit.
“SJA’s defence continues to play great football and really hemmed in CEC’s offence providing our offence with great field position all game,” commented the Flames Head Coach. “Jack Chiasson was fantastic making 7 solo tackles with a sack & assisted on 6 other tackles.”
“It was truly a team effort on defence with all of our players contributing. Our defensive line played very well led by Robie Holland and Josh DeGruchy. Luke Brigley played a strong game for the Flames as well. Our secondary was very strong against the run and pass led by Liam Cook and Jake Sherwood. Brennan Page and Zak Dalloul had strong efforts. Anderson Recker is gaining more confidence weekly and really playing some strong football for us. Liam Brennan and Nick Bennett played strong positional football making great plays that are not reflected on the stat sheet but are integral to our success. Connor Gavin and Josh Pinfold continue to improve weekly and are becoming key contributors to our defence each week.”
Additionally, the Flames offense and special teams unit were equally successful on Sunday.
“Offensively we were led by quarterback Seth Lane who passed for 260 yards with three touchdown passes and zero interceptions, with two touchdown passes to Matt McVeigh, who had a big day,” assessed Majury. “Seth also rushed for two touchdowns to complete his great day.”
“Our offensive line rebounded with their best effort of the season as they protected well and were extremely aggressive all game helping the Flames rushing attack to over 250 yards on the ground led by Adam Bennett 160 yards and Owen McGowan’s 40 yards. Thomas Hoyt had another strong game with two touchdowns and shows his big play ability time and again. Having Adam Duplisea and Ryan Merlin healthy certainly made a positive impact on our lineup. Our Special Teams units were very strong against CEC with tremendous coverage and good tackling as well as strong blocking with excellent returns.”
While it may seem a lopsided affair, the Flames gave props to the Cougars competitive spirit.
“We respect CEC very much, and really feel they have a lot of talent on their football team,” said Majury. “We were well prepared and played our most complete 60 minutes of football all season which is what I expected given that this was the last home game for our seniors at SJA Field.”
This overall effort has restored confidence in the Flames. Now the focus is on their next game.
“This was the most complete football game we have played all season,” expressed Majury. “Our entire team contributed to the win and every player put in a strong effort.”
“We move forward to another short week as we prepare for Halifax West. We are eager to build on what we accomplished this week and be better on Friday night.”
(Photo credit: Mark Kays)
Sir John A MacDonald Flames will battle the Halifax West Warriors on Friday October 24th at Wanderers Grounds. Kickoff is 6:00pm. Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars will visit Charles P Allen Cheetahs on Friday October 24th at 6:00pm.
PRINCE ANDREW PANTHERS 35, HALIFAX WEST WARRIORS 17:
At Burnside Turf in a Tier 2 Championship Final rematch, the Prince Andrew Panthers defeated Halifax West Warriors 35-17.
Panthers Head Coach Joe Flemming gave his assessment of the game as well as the keys to the victory.
“It was a tough first half for us versus a well-coached, hungry Halifax West Team,” assessed the Panthers Head Coach. “They forced us to make lots of mistakes, dropped passes, missed blocks and tackles.”
“All the fundamentals required to execute, but after some soul searching at halftime, our boys were able to get their feet under them. Our defence was able to stop the West’s advances, providing our offense with good field position at every turn. And our offense, led by running back turned quarterback Nick Green, was able to amount nearly 30 points in the half. We’re extremely proud of several of our players who stepped up in the absence of at least four starters out of the lineup – Dante Orman and Derrick Sawler just to name a few. Our veteran players Nick Green and Ben Deturbide once again showed the great leadership we’ve come to expect from them and a performance that can make or break the outcome of a game. With our Kicker Nick Liberatore pinning the ball deep on every kick, he put us in great field position throughout the match. His work played a huge role in this win.”
As for the Warriors, there were a couple of highlights despite the loss.
“Halifax West did some good things on offence,” commented Warriors Head Coach Dave Kelly. “We run the ball very well with our running back Aengus Lund rushing for almost 300 yards.”
“The offensive line played a strong game. We were leading 17-15 at half, but we as a young team had a hard time playing two solid halfs, we turned the ball over to much, and didn’t tackle well which ended in leading to points for Prince Andrew.”
The Prince Andrew Panthers will finish out the regular season against the undefeated Citadel Phoenix on Monday October 27th at Burnside Turf. Kickoff is 6:00pm. As for the Halifax West Warriors, the team will battle Sir John A MacDonald Flames on Friday October 24th at Wanderers Grounds at 6:00pm.
CHARLES P ALLEN CHEETAHS 44, HORTON GRIFFINS 7:
At Canning, Will Chamberlain scored two touchdowns and amassed 278 rushing yards on 15 carries as Charles P Allen Cheetahs cruised to a 44-7 victory over Horton Griffins.
Pivot Duncan Patterson racked up 145 passing yards and connected with Garet Jewers for a 20 yard touchdown reception. Brian Legere also rushed into the end zone for a major. Greg Hutchins added four field goals for the Cheetahs.
On defense, Brad Bevan registered seven tackles. Matt Bayne added five tackles. Malcolm Hyde recorded two sacks and two solo tackles.
Charles P Allen Cheetahs will host Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars on Friday October 24th at 6:00pm. The Horton Griffins will host Auburn Drive Eagles on Friday October 24th at Acadia’s Raymond Field. Kickoff is 7:00pm.
(Photo credit: Joe Chrvala)
SCOTIA DIVISION (TIER 2):
LOCKVIEW DRAGONS 41, SACKVILLE HIGH KINGFISHERS 29:
Stats not available at press time
COLE HARBOUR VERSUS JL ILSLEY:
Stats or score not available at press time
SYDNEY ACADEMY WILDCATS 38, DARTMOUTH HIGH SPARTANS 21:
Jarrad Detheridge scored three majors as the Sydney Academy Wildcats scored a 38-21 victory over Dartmouth High Spartans.
Kyle Yhard and Chris Burke each added a touchdown for the Wildcats. Jonathan Cromwell added a field goal and a PAT.
For the Spartans, Gervais Smith tallied two majors while Colin Asprey added a touchdown in the loss.
TIER 3:
WEST KINGS WOLVERINES 46, AVON VIEW AVALANCHE 0:
Stats not available at press time
DR JOHN HUGH GILLIS ROYALS VERSUS NORTHEAST KINGS TITANS:
Score and stats not available at press time
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