Cornwall claims first championship

Zettle scores clinching touchdown as Timberwolves earn under-12 title

CORNWALL – The Cornwall Timberwolves can now call themselves champions.

The under-12 squad captured the Papa John’s Football P.E.I. title Saturday with a 14-7 victory over the Charlottetown Privateers at the Terry Fox Sports Complex in Cornwall.

“We had a lot of seasons where we were just short coming to this game,” head coach Richard Lush said.

“This feels remarkable for us. It is the first time in history for the Cornwall atom football team to win this championship. To win this is an honour.”

The league, which has had three championship games, was started to develop players for bantam and varsity and get kids into the game earlier.

At the under-12 level, each team has 10 tries to score per half.

There is no kicking the ball or turnovers.

Ethan Duncan gave the host Timberwolves a 7-0 lead in the first half.

Jack Potter tied it for the Privateers in the second half, but Cornwall got the ball back knowing a score would clinch the title.

Carissa Zettle broke a couple of tackles en route to the end zone on the team’s sixth play to secure the championship-game victory.

“Without any single one of these players we wouldn't be in the position we are today,” Lush said. “It’s been a great ride.”

One of the Timberwolves' key players was unable to play Saturday due to a leg injury, but Stephen Letner was on the sidelines cheering his teammates on.

After the game, the players suggested he hold the championship trophy in the team photo.

“We won it for you Stephen,” one of his teammates said.

“He’s just a part of this team whether he’s on the field or not,” Lush said of Letner.

“He’s a mini coach for a young kid. We love him and we love every single one of these players.”

Many of the Timberwolves played their final game at the under-12 level on Saturday and are moving up to bantam next year.

“This is absolutely bittersweet for our coaching staff,” Lush said.

“I’ve watched them grow up into young teenagers.”

But there are some key players who are eligible to return to lead the under-12 program in 2021.

“We’re really excited for the future with the Cornwall Timberwolves,” Lush said.

JASON MALLOY/THE GUARDIAN The Cornwall Timberwolves won the Papa John’s Football P.E.I. under-12 championship Saturday in Cornwall. Team members, front row, from left, Griffith Stewart, Cohen Frizzell, Carter Henry, William Keefe, Ethan Duncan and Caden MacAusland. Second row, coach Dallas Kelly, coach Corey Frizzell, Ethan Smith, Marshall Cheverie, Stephen Letner, Carissa Zettle, Owen Lush, Tyler Walker, head coach Richard Lush and coach Jeremiah Henry.

JASON MALLOY/THE GUARDIAN Running back Carissa Zettle broke a few tackles en route to scoring the winning touchdown Saturday in the Papa John’s Football P.E.I. under-12 championship game in Cornwall.