Strong Finish Lions

OVFL: JV Lions finish strong as they knock off Ironmen

The JV Cambridge Lions knocked off the Hamilton Ironmen in stunning fashion, 57-14

As they enter the postseason, the Lions finish with a 7-1 regular season record.

“It was a dog fight early, they did really well, and they started really well,” said Lions Head Coach Gary Skalos.

Offensively, the Lions continued to be effective; however, the team didn’t get things started until late in the first quarter.  It may have affected their overall rhythm in the game.

“Not much flow from our perspective,” said Skalos.

Lions quarterbacks Mitch Weiler and Brayden Hill led the offense. Hill completed 100 percent of his attempts to garner 43 yards and three passing touchdowns. Weiler had one completion and 11 passing yards.

Receiver Griffin Monaghan led the Lions with 43 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. His brother George Monaghan IV followed suit, registering  36 yards on three receptions and scoring two touchdowns.

“He is exceptional, he steps on the field and he is electric,” said Skalos of Monaghan IV.  “Go through the stats and there is no more productive player.”

(Quick Stat: This season Monaghan IV has 12 receptions, 346 receiving yards and nine touchodowns.

Running back Alex Salytchev had 89 rushing yards and scored a major while Brandon Metz finished strong with 63 yards on six carries.

Defensively, the Lions were solid as the team registered seven sacks in the game. Mario Akyas racked up four tackles, a batted ball and two sacks.

“Mario had the biggest hit on the night and it set a tone,” said Skalos.

Additionally, strong performances came from linebacker Nate Stainsby who had three total tackles and two sacks while defensive linemen Jordan Burrell snagged an interception and returned it for a touchdown.

On special teams, Nathan Mclean continued his productivity with 396 yards (an average of 44 yards) while succeeding on all conversion attempt (9 for 9).

Monaghan IV returned a missed field goal attempt 120 yards the other way for the touchdown score while Salytchev returned two punts for 89 yards and scored a major in the victory.

The 2013 regular season marked the first time in Lions history that a player ran away with the league’s top spot in rushing.  Salytchev captured the title with 1028 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns averaging 11.1 yards a carry. Additionally, fellow running back Brandon Metz finished within the top ten as well with 547 yards to go with 4 touchdowns, while averaging 9 yards a carry. Also, safety turned quarterback Mitch Weiler also cracked the top ten for the quarterback position with 924 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“It’s a testament to our offensive line,” noted Skalos.

Looking ahead to the postseason, the Lions will face Niagara Spears –  a team they haven’t played against in the regular season.

“We will be prepared to see new things and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” said Skalos.  “Taking care of all the little things and bigger things follow.”

The playoff matchup will be played on  July 27 at 8pm.