#CFCHSFB PREVIEW (NS): Cheetahs, CFC#30 Phoenix prepare for battle in championship rematch

Tonight at Bedford-Hammonds Plains Turf, two teams will meet for the first time since the 2014 Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) Provincial Tier 1 Championship.

CFC#30 Citadel Phoenix will face Charles P Allen Cheetahs at 7:00pm.

Back on November 9th, 2014 the Phoenix hung on to a 21-14 victory over the Cheetahs in the Championship Final.

With redemption on the minds for the Cheetahs, it will be a major task to hand the Phoenix their first loss of the season.

“Citadel year over year is a powerhouse in the NSSAFFL,” commented Cheetahs Head Coach Michael McPherson.  “They are a very well coached,supported program which certainly pays dividends for them on the field.”

Duncan Patterson completed 21 passes in 31 attempts for 213 passing yards in Charles P Allen Cheetahs victory (Mona Ghiz, Ghiz Photography)

Duncan Patterson completed 21 passes in 31 attempts for 213 passing yards in Charles P Allen Cheetahs victory (Mona Ghiz, Ghiz Photography)

From top to bottom, McPherson said the Phoenix is solid in all three facets of the game.  The Cheetahs are expecting a tenacious, aggressive yet relentless team on the other side to provide stiff opposition.

“Their roster has great size, speed and depth on both sides of the ball and play very disciplined football,” assessed the Cheetahs Head Coach.  They have two very solid quarterbacks (Monecko Clayton and transfer quarterback Cameron Valardo – Fall River) both will test our defense with solid arms and athleticism.”

“Their backfield and receiving corps is full of talent and enables a very balanced attack for the Phoenix on offence.   They have a very aggressive, stout defense that will make us work very hard for every yard and first down.”

In addition to their quarterbacks, the Phoenix will count on running backs Jack Campbell and Tyrique Dixon-Bowden for offensive output.  Additionally, their offensive line will be anchored by #CFC100 Oliver Grant.

Defensive back Jonah Williams as well as linebackers Max Gallant and Jacob Morgan will bring their physical, smart playmaking abilities to the Phoenix defence.

CPA Cheetahs QB Duncan Patterson in 2014 NSSAFFL Division 1 Final (Photo credit: Mona Ghiz)

CPA Cheetahs QB Duncan Patterson in 2014 NSSAFFL Division 1 Final (Photo credit: Mona Ghiz)

 

However, the Cheetahs have arguably one of the top quarterbacks in the NSSAFFL in Duncan Patterson.  In last week’s 20-14 win over Horton Griffins, Patterson completed 21 passes in 31 attempts for 213 yards.  Moreover, Patterson will look to create magic with a trio of viable options in Daniel Spillman, Michael Forsey and Kirk Whitman. Kicker Moe Jabber will be the one to watch for on special teams.

For the Cheetahs to be successful against the Phoenix on Monday night, they must improve on discipline, which has been an Achilles Heel early on in the season.

“In order to win, we certainly cannot afford to take the penalties we have in Weeks 1 and 2 or turn the ball over,” added McPherson.

Citadel Phoenix vs Charles P Allen (Photo credit: Joe Chrvala)

Citadel Phoenix vs Charles P Allen (Photo credit: Joe Chrvala)

This contest could be a preview of this year’s final so Nova Scotia will be treated to another exciting, dramatic game and it is expected to be a full house at Bedford Hammonds Plains Turf. While this has become a traditional rivalry, these two teams have tremendous respect for each other.

However, it’s an understatement that the stakes are high in tonight’s battle.

“In an eight game schedule with only five teams in the division, every game is very important for us this year,” elaborated McPherson.

Even though these two squads meet tonight, it won’t be the only time this season.  Ultimately, the Cheetahs want to have a good showing and gain momentum that they can carry not just into the next game against the Phoenix, but throughout the remainder of the NSSAFFL Division 1 season.

“We will see these guys again in October as per the home and home format but Monday is opportunity to see how our team stacks up to a very good football team,” expressed McPherson.

Citadel logo

CITADEL PHOENIX :

2015 RECORD: 2-0

 #CFC50 2015 RANKING: 30th

CO-HEAD COACHES:  Mike Tanner (46 years), Jeff Lawley (26 years – will also serve as Defensive Coordinator)

PLAYERS TO WATCH:  #CFC100 Oliver Grant (offensive line), Quinton Milton (offensive line), Greg MacDonald (receiver), Marko Xidos (receiver), Matt Lawen (running back), Jacob Morgan (linebacker),  Max Gallant (linebacker), Chris Buhr (defensive line), Mathew Medes (defensive line), Jared Holland (defensive line), Jonah Williams (defensive back), Noah Laing (defensive back), Keyshawn Upshaw Tynes (defensive back), Monecko Clayton (quarterback), Sean MacDougall (offensive line), Dashawn Smith (offensive line), Jack Campbell (running back), Tyrique Dixon-Bowden (running back)

cheetahs-football

CHARLES P ALLEN CHEETAHS:

2015 RECORD: 2-0

HEAD COACH: Michael McPherson

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Duncan Patterson (quarterback), Daniel Spillman (running back), Michael Forsey (offence), Kirk Whitman (offence), Moe Jabber (kicker)

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)

 

 

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