Spears run out of targets in season finale
Niagara is unable to come back from four-touchdown deficit in a 28-14 defeat
The Ontario Provincial Football League careers of nine players on the Niagara Spears came to an abrupt end Saturday.
With a berth in the varsity playoffs on the line, Niagara cut a 28-0 deficit in half, but its comeback bid in the mustwin game fell short dropping a 28-14 decision to the visiting Hamilton Jr. Tiger-Cats.
Ethan Reid, with a one-yard pass to John Serrano, and Chase Bowden, 37yard into the end zone, scored touchdowns for the Spears who ended the season 4-4.
Niagara recovered an onside kick, but Hamilton got the ball back on a penalty.
“This team has had a huge heart all year, and always fought to the final whistle,” head coach Brian Duguay said after the night game at Kiwanis Field in St. Catharines.
Ryan James, three for 15 for 45 yards, and Reid, four for six for 46 yards, one touchdown; shared quarterbacking duties for the Spears.
Bowden, 15 carries for 136 yards, one touchdown; led Niagara in rushing.
Standouts on defence for the Spears: Christian Kuriata, five solo tackles, six assisted tackles; Sunny Wibow, three solos; Riley Lyons, two solo tackles, three assisted tackles; Zach Melnyk, two solo tackles, two assisted tackles.
The following players graduated from the varsity Spears: William Bonner, Eden; Chase Bowden, Stamford; Max Burger, Notre Dame; Chris Falvo, Jean Vanier; Ryan James, A.N. Myer; Joshua Lisi, A.N. Myer; Darcy MacIsaac, Westlane; Cole Parkin, Eden; Bob Prior, Westlane.
Junior
A tough opponent and the heat took its toll on the Niagara Spears defence in Saturday’s junior game against the visiting Hamilton Jr. Tiger-Cats.
Making matters worse for the hosts was an offence that was unable to get a rhythm going.
The result? A 35-0 loss that dropped the team’s record to 3-5.
Spears head coach Bill Crawford said the defence played “really well” in the first half limiting Hamilton to 10 points.
“But with the offence not finding a rhythm early and a couple of turnovers, the defence was on the field too long in that head to hold,” he said.
Bantam
Nick Longo caught a pass for a
40-yard touchdown and returned a kick 75 yards for a second major leading the Niagara Spears bantams in scoring in a 40-25 loss to the visiting Hamilton Jr. Ticats.
The Spears are still seeking their first win after starting the season 0-7, Saturday’s loss on the turf at Kiwanis Field was not without some silver linings.
“The first time we played Hamilton three weeks ago, the game was over in the first quarter. We played for our survival,” head coach Simon Gichard said. “This week we were playing to win and we competitive all game, but we fell short in the fourth quarter.”
Rounding out the scoring for Niagara were Cole Hann, with a 14-yard reception, and Tyler Crawford, eightyard run. Jackson Stewart completed six of nine passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 25 yards in rushing.
A defence that forced Hamilton to punt four times, turn the ball over once on downs and recovered a fumble was led by Wyatt Brown, five solo tackles, three assisted tackles, one batted ball; and Ryan Broome, fumble recovery, quarterback sack, tackle, assisted tackle.
“It was nice to see all the defensive players registered stats and contributing today,” Gichard said.
Niagara travels to Aurora Saturday for a 5 p.m. kickoff with the Vaughan Rebels, 2-5.