Two Cinderella Teams Ready To Duel in NSSAFFL Game

The Avon View Avalanche and Prince Andrew Panthers have both had a reversal of fortunes this season.
Last season, the Avalanche was winless in the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). So far this season, they have exceeded expectations in the league with a 4-2-0 record. Meanwhile, the Prince Andrew Panthers have bounced back from a dismal last season in which the team only had one win. Currently, they are 3-3-0 and are in the thick of things in the Nova Division (tied for third place).

Tonight, the Panthers and Avalanche will square off in a duel between two Cinderella teams in the NSSAFFL. The game takes place at 7:00 pm at Burnside Turf.

Panthers head coach Joe Flemming says the team will not take the Avalanche lightly.

“We’re taking this Avon View team very seriously,” comments Flemming. “Not unlike us, they’re coming off a few disappointing seasons and getting a tremendous boost from the success they’ve had so far this season.”

Flemming expresses that the Avalanche have gained a lot of confidence from the hard fought victories earned so far. The Panthers have a lot of respect for their opponents and knows it won’t be an easy task to play them tonight.

“They’ve worked really hard to get where they are and I don’t expect them to take a break on Thursday night,” adds Flemming. “So we’ve prepared for a battle and look forward to a great game.”

Jim Bryan of the Avalanche says they are looking forward to the matchup as well.

“We’re excited about the chance to bounce right back after a tough loss against Halifax West,”comments Bryan who is the president, general manager and special teams coach. “PA is a very strong team and we’re going to be challenged in all three facets of the game.”

The Avalanche knows that they wil lbe facing an explosive offensive attack from the Panthers. Bryan says the team will have to be on the lookout.

“They have a great running back in #34 Klain and really do some interesting things with their formations that we have to be ready for,” adds Bryan. “Also, their QB has shown the ability to be both a pass and run threat so he is someone we will have to be aware of.”

Not only is the Panthers offense a concern for the Avalanche but they are facing a tough defensive unit as well.

“Defensively they are an athletic bunch who can create turnovers with their aggressive play alone,”says Bryan. “If we want to be successful we need to be the better blocking and tackling team.”

Tonight, the Avalanche will have quarterback Trevor House who sat out in last week’s game due to injury. Additionally, running back J.P. Primeau and wide receiver Russ Lavergne will be depended upon to lead the Avalanche attack on the field.

Defensively, the Avalanche feels that they have a formidable answer for the Panthers.

“On defence we feel as though we have one of the best linebackers in the province in A.J. Whitehead, and will depend on his tenacity against PA’s balanced attack,” states Bryan.

Meanwhile, Flemming is not about to say which players to watch for in particular on the Panthers.

“To be honest, I’m putting the pressure on the ones nobody’s looking for,” says Flemming. “I’m expecting everyone to get amped up so we can have a good night as a team.”

“That’s not to say that I’m not elated when our “GO TO” guys have a great night, but that’s not good enough to make deep run into the playoffs.”

With playoffs looming on the horizon, Flemming says the key for the team’s success lies on a whole effort on the field.

“I’m much happier when we get a winning effort because everyone gets in on the
action and is excited to be in the game,” comments Flemming. “That’s my focus right now as we approach the playoff season.”

As for the Avalanche, they want to continue their success on the field and hope tonight’s game will lead them one step closer.

“We’re really trying to build some momentum going into the playoffs and feel
this game is another opportunity to do that.”

(photo courtesy of Carole Morris-Underhill, The Hants Journal)