CFC OFC Game of the Week Preview: “I have never seen an arm like his at this level before”

It was another stellar performance by the varsity Hamilton Hurricanes in week two as they cruised to a 36-12 victory over the Brantford Bisons.

The ‘Canes were once again led by starting quarterback Liam Putt and his arm,.  Head Coach Rob Underhill said before the season could be one of the best quarterbacks the franchise has ever seen and currently believes he could be ranked as one of the best quarterbacks his age in the country.

“I have never seen an arm like his at this level before,” Underhill said of his new starting quarterback. “We are pretty excited with what the possibilities are. If at the end of the season we can get him peaking in top form; the sky is the limit for us.”

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Putt was also aided by a deep cast of receivers that help to form one of the best offences in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC). Not only is the receiving core made up of excellent pass catchers but they also posses the off the ball skills that that often go unnoticed but can make a big difference in the game. Two such players are Jake Williams and Emmitt Putt.

“It’s not just how many balls you catch, it’s how you block backside,” assessed Underhill.   “Both guys are great with the ball but what they do behind the scenes when they don’t is something special.”

Despite the success thus far in 2014 and the perfect record since the start of last season, there are still some things the Hurricanes needs to work on including play at special teams where the team has seen some mistakes and some untimely penalties. The return men for the team has been the cause of some turnovers but can also break out massive returns, something the Hurricanes Head Coach referred as having to ‘pick your poison’.

“We have faith in those guys to work on their ball skills,” said Underhill. “In the end you need to get them back in action so they can get over those obstacles.”

“We are not giving up on guys.”

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As for the penalties, Underhill said it was largely a matter of dealing with new rules that are now being applied to improve player safety. Teams all across youth football now have to adapt to these changes while maintaining a physical presence.

“A lot of things are changing and evolving, so as a whole a lot more flags are being thrown but we still need our guys to play aggressive, play to the whistle and not be scared,” added Underhill.  “We want success but not that expense of other kids.”

With the week two win now behind them, the ‘Canes now look towards a week three matchup that has them heading on the road for the first time this season to take on the Sudbury Gladiators, something that is always a big test for a young team. Not only does the team have to deal with playing on the road for the first time this season, they are going to have to do so with a short bench as many players are forced to deal with other commitments.

“There’s the Hamilton All-Star game which is going to take a couple of our kids and some proms and grads which are keeping some kids out as well,” explained Underhill. “We are looking at taking up to only 39 kids on the bus of a roster of 65.”

“With that said it will create opportunities for others and will really fast track their development.”

This week’s game is set for a 4:00pm start on Saturday in Sudbury at the Jim Jerome sports complex.

Liam Putt Photo Credits:  Jennifer Silvestri

 

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