On Friday, the Spartans improved to 2-0 following a 37-6 dismantling of the St. Francis Xavier Tigers at the newly named Finamore Field.
St. Francis Xavier received permission from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board back in January to name their athletic field after Brian Finamore, who served as chaplaincy leader at Xavier for 16 of his 25 years with the Board.Β Finamore had a tremendous impact on the Xavier staff, students, and community, and this passionate Tigers fan was on hand for the touching ceremony that preceded the game.
The Tigers, who are coming off an undefeated Tier 2 championship season, had a first week bye in their return to Tier 1, and the Spartans seemed to take a few series to figure out the lay of the land.
“Early on they were in a 3-4 with split coverage, which we haven’t seen a lot, and their front seven were disguising their responsibilities well”, commented Spartans offensive coordinator Ben Grant.Β After we made some changes they started mixing in a bit of Cover 2-Man.Β It was a great opportunity for us to watch our players execute the adjustments we were making on the sideline.Β I really enjoyed the chess match today, and I was proud of the way our guys responded.”
On their third offensive series, Lorne Park QB Alex Lavric found WR Ajet Suljejmani who had slipped behind the coverage for a 43-yard touchdown that put the Spartans up 7-0.Β After a booming kickoff, and hellacious tackles from Spartans LB Sean Cotter and DE Jonny Kuysten, the Tigers were forced to concede a safety.
Lorne Park extended their lead to 16-0 when RB Omar Naguib followed FB Zack Panek 21 yards into the endzone.
St. Francis Xavier answered the bell on their next series despite being pinned deep in their own end.Β RB Kadeem Hemmings exploded up the middle for 98 yards before being caught by CB Samer Hamade half a yard short of the endzone.Β Hemmings punched it in on the next play, and after a missed two-point convert attempt, the Spartans led 16-6.
Lorne Park would score on each of their next three drives with Lavric hitting WR Evan Simmons for a 37 yard touchdown, WR Devin Condlln with an 11 yard strike, and then Condlln once again with a 39 yard bomb.
Lavric finished the day 13 of 19 for 267 yards and four touchdowns. Condlln led all receivers once again with six receptions for 103 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and Omar Naguib added a major on 10 carries for 95 yards.
The 2-0 Spartans host Meadowvale on Thursday at 3:00 in The Cage for their home opener. The Falcons, who are coming off a bye, are looking to rebound after dropping a 38-28 shootout to St. Marcellinus in Week 1.
“This will be a great test for us”, said Spartans head coach Scott Price. “Meadowvale is as well rounded on offense as we’ve ever seen them, and their defense always gives us trouble. In this league, where two losses can leave you on the outside looking in, we know they’ll be coming at us with everything they’ve got, and there’s not a team in the province they can’t play with.”
Source: Lorne Park Spartans
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
CFC Prospect Game Spotlight: Ontario OT is pumped to play the best around on home turf
