Stamps (Varsity) score with 9 seconds remaining to secure the victory

If you like drama. If you like big plays. If you like controversy. If you like penalties. If you like scrambling QBs. If you like 30 degree weather. If you like all those things you and were not at Notre Dame High School Sunday afternoon you missed a great come from behind victory by the Burlington Stampeders Varsity Ontario Football Conference (OFC) squad.

Playing from behind for most of the game, the Stampeders relied on a timely defensive interception that resulted in a 36 second drive and a spectacular 30 yard pass touchdown from #4, QB, Will Finch to receiver #11, Russell Culver.

To start the game the visiting Hamilton Wentworth Panthers fumbled on their very first possession but it did not turn out to cost them. Not long after the Stampeders appeared to have opened the scoring when #26, DB, Randy Williams returned an interception for a touchdown only to be called back by a defensive offside penalty.

The scoring was opened by #80, REC, Andrin Masotti (Panthers) when he took a hitch screen 56 yards for a touchdown. #9, Adam Palett converted the touchdown. On the very next play Panthers #32, Michael Smith pounced on the Kick Off when the Stampeders failed to adjust to the pooch kick. The Panthers converted on a 3rd and 1 gamble on the Stamp 6 yard line but then a tremendous Goal Line stand by the Stampeders resulted in a change of possession and no points scored by the Panthers.

Burlington evened the scoring in the first half when #32, Jaremy Bochsler, ran in for a touchdown that was converted by #17, Evan Short. At 2:31 of the 2nd Quarter, Masotti scored his second TD of the game, diving for a 26 yard touchdown in the Stamp end zone. The Panthers kicked a field goal (Palett) with 10 seconds remaining in the half to make it a 17 to 7 Panther lead.

The second half saw Palett add to the Panther lead with a rouge and not long after at the 8:25 mark of the 3rd quarter #22, Jimmy Hill scored on a nice pass and catch play from QB, #14 Chuck Wall, for 65 yards. Panthers led 25 to 7. Stampeders responded with a touchdown by #32 Ryan DiRisio. 25 to 14 at end of 4th quarter.

Fourth Quarter Hilites
– 11:36 of the fourth quarter Masotti made a spectacular 45 yard catch…but that soon after the tides turned
– 8:15 Stamps #82, Trevor Reid, had catches of 30 yards and 15 yards during a drive that was capped off by #32, Ryan DiRisio touchdown run (5:14) – 2 point convert no good. 25 to 20
– 3:36 Panthers had a 70 yard QB draw touchdown by #14, Wall called back on a holding penalty
– 1:56 Stamps start drive at own 40 yard line – 1st play big catch and run by #85, Stewart for 36 yards
– 1:23 3 and 6 conversion by Stamps nullified by offside
– 1:14 3 and 11 – Panthers intercept ball by #54, LB, Alexander Szwed
– 45.9 sec – Stamps get ball back
– 9 sec – #11, Culver 30 yard TD reception / #85, Stewart with 2 point convert

FINAL 28 TO 25 STAMPEDERS

Feature: Dan Brannigan (Argo QB / Vanier champ) was their to support his alumni Stampeders