NSSAFFL Preview: Phoenix, Cougars prepare to carve exciting Turkey Bowl battle

Turkey Bowl time is here once again!

The annual matchup between Citadel Phoenix and Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars (CEC) has returned back to Halifax this year.  Both teams will battle on Sunday October 13th, 2013 at Saint Mary’s Huskies Stadium.

While this game has symbolic significance, this is a pivotal matchup and the outcome could affect the playoff picture in the league, especially for one of these two squads.

“This game could be a nail in the coffin for CEC in terms of their bid to compete in Tier 1 playoffs this year,” explained Phoenix Co-Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jeff Lawley.  “That in itself makes them a formidable opponent in this match up.”

“CEC has a long storied history of competing for the top prize and their coaches will be sure to impress this message on their entire team.”

The Phoenix is looking forward to playing their Turkey Bowl rivals from Truro.

“CEC has always had a tradition of excellence and class,” expressed Lawley.  “It’s always a pleasure to play the Cougars.”

“You know you need to bring your ‘A’ game to compete but it will be a clean game which makes it fun for all involved.”

In last year’s Turkey Bowl game at James MacPherson Stadium, the Phoenix cruised to a 40-8 victory so the Cougars hope for a better result this time around.

The Phoenix is hoping for improvement in one area of their game that was exposed previously in their last game before the bye week.

“Although we won our last game on the scoreboard with Sir John A, we feel we lost in the Special Teams battle,” assessed Lawley.  “We will be giving a greater focus to this aspect of our game in the hopes we will get better results in The Turkey Bowl.”

“Taking care of the smaller details will take care of the bigger details.”

On the field, CFC TOP 100 Shaun Robinson try to unleash his monstrous mode on the Phoenix’ defense trying to contain Cougars offensive threats Kyle Scott and Tyren Desmond.

In addition to Robinson, players to watch for on the Phoenix will be offensive lineman O’Neil Barton, Spencer Bennett , defensive back Liam Connell, Reid Oxner, quarterback Byron Kavanagh, running back Scott Baigent , receiver Drew MacIsaac, receiver Ian Farrell, offensive lineman Sean Reardon  and defensive lineman David Dean.

As for the Cougars, there will also be some players that will play a significant role in their game execution plans for both sides of the ball. Those include running back Austin Wheeler, quarterback Alex Upham, kicker Nick Zscheille, defensive lineman Drew Erksine, defensive back Andrew Murphy, defensive standout Adam Kaulbach, linebacker Patrick Smith, defensive tackle Andrew Gibson and defensive back Keighan MacLean

Not only will this game have two great coaching staffs (Cougars – Scott Annand, Phoenix – Mike Tanner/Jeff Lawley) but it be a special atmosphere at Huskies Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Ultimately, the Phoenix would like to feed off the energy of the home crowd and be victorious in the 2013 Turkey Bowl.

“The Turkey Bowl this year for us will have a ‘Homecoming’ feel to the fan atmosphere as it is our home game at SMU stadium,” added Lawley.  “Many of our former players make it home from university for Thanksgiving and our extensive alumni make a point to attend this traditional rivalry game.”

Photo credit:  Cathy Connell

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