‘Real tough battle’

Spartans defeat Privateers in last atom game of the 2019 season

SUMMERSIDE – Tensions were high for the P.E.I. Atom Tackle Football League championship game on Sunday.

The Summerside Cox and Palmer Atom Spartans took a 24-12 win against the Charlottetown Privateers.

Nancy Baglole was among the families hunkered down on the sidelines watching the fierce competition unfold on the Eric Johnston Field in Summerside.

“Chase (DesRoches), my grandson enjoys the game of football immensely. I don’t know much about the game, but I show my support for my grandson’s passion,” said Baglole while watching Chase, who wears No. 84 for the Spartans, whip around the field.

Noah Lynch scored two rushing touchdowns to lead the Spartans. Deklen Oatway walso contributed a rushing touchdown and Christian Cameron scored a major on a pass from Noah McNeill.

Keegan MacDonald scored both Charlottetown touchdowns.

“We have first-year players on our squad this year, so their nerves definitely had the better of them at the start of the game,” said Privateers head coach David Henderson. “The second half was a different story, but, unfortunately, we were too far behind and couldn’t catch up.

“Summerside’s defence was fantastic and gave us a real tough battle. They earned a great victory and it’s been a fun season. My hats off to their coaches because they did a great job."

Henderson acknowledged his players are like “extended family and they’re awesome.”

Mike Miller, head coach of the Spartans, said despite being the champions the game itself didn’t go as planned.

“There were some mental errors and we missed some guys in practice as well as guys coming back from injuries,” said Miller. “Overall, we played good football, but there is always room for improvement.”

“But hats off to Charlottetown, they played great and used their weapons as well, but I think injuries kept them out of making it more competitive. From our side, we had some great runs from Noah Lynch and our defence played outstanding the entire game, so I give credit to them for keeping us in the lead right to the end.”

DESIREE ANSTEY/ JOURNAL PIONEER Summerside Cox and Palmer Spartans defeated the Charlottetown Privateers 24-12 in the P.E.I. Atom Tackle Football League championship game at Eric Johnston Field in Summerside on Sunday. Members of the Spartans are, front row, from left: Noah McNeill, Deklen Oatway, Jack Rozell, Brady Dunn and Ocean Waddell. Second row: Gary Rozell (assistant coach), Lincoln Vanbarneveld, Chase DesRoches, Jack MacDonald, Christian Cameron, Noah Lynch, Brayden Miller, Cohen Woods and Mike Miller (head coach). Missing from photo is Corbain Cormier.

DESIREE ANSTEY/ JOURNAL PIONEER The Summerside Spartans’ Cohen Woods, 81, tackles Alex MacDonald, 72, of the Charlottetown Privateers during the P.E.I. Atom Tackle Football League championship game at Eric Johnston Field in Summerside on Sunday.