NSSAFFL Week 4: Phoenix offense resuscitated, CFC TOP 50 Cheetahs remain undefeated

The Citadel Phoenix is back on course once again.

After suffering their first defeat since 2008 at the hands of CFC TOP 50 Charles P Allen Cheetahs in Week 3, the Phoenix’ offense came back to life and soared to a victory against their archrivals in Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) action.

Meanwhile, the JL Ilsley Judges got their first win ever against a team that has had their number each and every year while the Cole Harbour Cavaliers served notice in the league that they are a contender this fall.

Here are all the results from Week 4 action in the NSSAFFL:

SACKVILLE HIGH KINGFISHERS 27, DARTMOUTH HIGH SPARTANS 11:

Jalen Loppie rushed for 203 rushing yards on 17 carries and scored three touchdowns and also had three receptions for 48 yards to lead the Sackville Kingfishers to a 29-11 win over the Dartmouth High Spartans on Thursday night at Burnside Turf.

Tyler Robichaud also scored a touchdown for the Kingfishers.  Moreover, Kyle MacDonald registered 7.5 tackles, recorded a sack and blocked a field goal to lead the Kingfishers defense.

With this win, the Kingfishers are 3-1 on the season while the Spartans are still searching for their first win and have a 0-4 record.

Sackville High Kingfishers will take on the JL Ilsley Judges in their next game at Charles P Allen on Sunday October 6th, 2013.  Kickoff is 7:00pm.  Meanwhile, the Dartmouth High Spartans will travel this week for their next match up against Central Kings Gators on Sunday October 6th, 2013 at 1:00pm.

CPA 1

CHARLES P ALLEN CHEETAHS 52, LOCKVIEW DRAGONS 0:

2012 NSSAFFL Nova Division MVP Taylor MacDonald, Aidan Majury and Greg Hutchins each scored two touchdowns and combined for 360 rushing yards to lead the CFC TOP 50 Charles P Allen Cheetahs to a 52-0 victory over the Lockview Dragons under Friday Night Lights at Burnside Turf.

MacDonald rushed for 200 yards while Majury rushed for 160 yards.  Not only did Hutchins have two receiving touchdowns, but he also was successful on nine conversion attempts and a 30 yard field goal attempt.

Anthony Ogden tallied a major while Will Chamberlain caught an interception and ran it into the end zone for a touchdown.

Quarterback Sean Muir had two passing touchdowns while his relief Duncan Patterson connected with Hutchins for a touchdown reception.

Jesse Boudreau, Brad Bevan and Malcolm all led the way on the Cheetahs defense.  Additionally, Andre Boudreault caught an interception in the victory.

With this win, the Cheetahs remain undefeated with a 3-0 record.  The Dragons slide to 1-4 on the season.

Both the Charles P Allen Cheetahs and the Lockview Dragons will enjoy byes this upcoming week.

Sydney Academy Wildcats 1

SYDNEY ACADEMY WILDCATS 15, WEST KINGS WOLVERINES 8:

In a battle between two of the newest kids on the NSSAFFL block, Jarrad Detheridge led the Sydney Wildcats to a 15-8 win over the West Kings Wolverines in front of the hometown crowd.

Detheridge scored two touchdowns and rushed for 136 yards as well as registering eight tackles on the defensive side.

Quarterback Geoff MacDonald had seven completions in 14 attempts and a passing touchdown.

Wildcats Head Coach Lorne Burke gave his analysis of the game.

“The keys to Academy’s win this weekend was the defense,” assessed Burke.   “With Academy down 12 players for this game dressing only 28 due to illness, injuries and in-school suspensions they were able to shut out West Kings and limit them to a handful of first downs.”

“West King scored their only touchdown on defense intercepting our quarterback around midfield and taking it in for the score.”

The Wildcats now sport a 2-1 record while the Wolverines are still seeking their first win of the season as they are 0-4.

Sydney Wildcats will host Prince Andrew Panthers on Sunday October 6th at 3:30pm.  Meanwhile, West Kings Wildcats will enjoy a bye this upcoming week.

AUBURN DRIVE EAGLES 62, DR.JOHN HUGH GILLIS ROYALS 0:

Auburn Drive Eagles scored a win in the home opener, shutting out visiting Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals 62-0.

The victors had over 600 yards on offense to go along with an exceptional outing for the defensive unit.

Offensively, Kalem Beaver tallied four majors – on an 80 yard reception, 69 yard rush and two punt returns that amassed over 300 yards.  Additionally, Angus Fraser scored three majors and rushed for over 200 yards in the game. Daniel Sule added an 18 yard touchdown reception

On a defensive play, Dion Thomas-Hodges had a strip fumble and ran the ball down field for a 40 yard touchdown.  Justin Valencourt was successful on eight conversion attempts.

Ty Borden led the Eagles defense as he registered eight tackles, recorded a sack and also had a forced fumble. Chris Dalley chipped in with six tackles and a sack.

“Our players are getting better every week and we set an objective of getting improving on a weekly basis,” commented Eagles Head Coach Chris Valardo after the game.  “Our players and coaches continue to work hard and improve.”

The Eagles are 1-2 on the season while the Royals have a 1-3 record.

Auburn Drive Eagles will host Horton Griffins on Thursday October 3rd, 2013 at Burnside Turf.  Kickoff is 6:00pm. As for Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals, the team will host Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars for a battle under Friday Night Lights on October 4th, 2013.  Kickoff is 7:00pm.

2012.09.16-Citadel SJA 090

CITADEL PHOENIX 27, SIR JOHN A MACDONALD FLAMES 17:

In one of CFC’s National Games of the Week, the Citadel Phoenix found their offensive game and in the process got back into the win column in a big way. On Sunday afternoon in Tantallon, the Phoenix defeated their archrivals, Sir John A MacDonald Flames 27-17 in a rematch of the 2012 NSSAFFL Nova Division Tier 1 Championship Final.

The previous week in their showdown against Charles P Allen Cheetahs, the Phoenix failed to generate much offense and did not score a touchdown in the game. However, any uncertainty regarding the team’s offensive game was put to rest on Sunday.

Byron Kavanagh led the Phoenix offensive attack.  The Phoenix quarterback had seven completions in 11 attempts for 105 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.  Additionally, he rushed for 55 yards on six carries and added a rushing major in the victory.

Drew MacIsaac (50 yards receiving) and Ian Farrell (eight yards receiving) also tallied majors for the Phoenix.  Scott Baigent added 135 rushing yards on 17 carries while Tyler Martin ran for 95 yards on nine carries.

Traditionally, the Phoenix has thrived on their defensive game and Sunday was no exception. The unit coughed up four interceptions.  Nate Adams caught two of those while Caleb Jolly and Greg Herritt each had one.

CFC TOP 100 Shaun Robinson was in beast mode once again as he registered eight solo tackles and recorded a sack in the victory.

“The key to our win yesterday (Sunday) was getting our offense rolling,” commented Phoenix Co-Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jeff Lawley.  “We sustained some key injuries in the previous game at offensive line and as a consequence we had some young players step in and do a good job.”

“The offensive line and their respective coaches deserve the spotlight on this one.”

While the Phoenix’ offense was resuscitated on Sunday, there are other areas of their game that need work on that were exposed in the game against the Flames.

“We lost in the special teams battle and we need a greater focus of attention to details if we are to become a better team,” assessed Lawley.

As for the Flames, quarterback Lorenz MacDonald had five completions for 63 passing yards and one passing touchdown.  Running back Hayden Clarke ran into the end zone for a touchdown score.  On defense, Jake Sherwood caught an interception in a losing cause.

Both Citadel Phoenix and Sir John A MacDonald Flames will enjoy byes this upcoming week.

NORTHEAST KINGS TITANS 18, AVON VIEW AVALANCHE 0:

On Sunday afternoon at Avon View, the Northeast Kings Titans nabbed their first win this season as the team shut out the host Avalanche 18-0.

“The team played an unbelievably hard fought game, which was most definitely a complete team effort that every player on the team earned a part of the victory,” said Titans Coach Scott Pope after the game. “Standouts for the game today were Eric and Jon Main, Marcel Bolland and Allan Bond.”

“The first three played the entire game without coming off the field and Allan Bond Had a strong game running the ball for us.”

A bright spot for the Avalanche was the play of Cory Whitney.  The pivot had 10 completions on 18 attempts for over 100 passing yards.

Avalanche Head Coach Jim Bryan evaluated the team’s performance.

“Although we lost 18-0 there were a lot of positive things done as a team,” said Bryan.  “On defence, we got fooled on the reverse too much and they ran it well.”

With their first win, the Titans have a 1-2 record.  The Avalanche is still on the hunt for their first win as they are 0-4 on the season.

Northeast Kings Titans will host Halifax West Warriors on Sunday October 6th, 2013 at Kinsman Field.  Kickoff is 1:00pm.  As for the Avalanche, the team will be on road to play the Cole Harbour Cavaliers on Monday October 7th, 2013 at Burnside Turf.  Game start is 6:00pm.

Prince Andrew Panthers

PRINCE ANDREW PANTHERS 48, CENTRAL KINGS GATORS 7:

Both offensive and defensive units turned in solid performance to propel the Prince Andrew Panthers to a 48-7 crushing of Central Kings Gators on Sunday evening at Burnside Turf.

Spencer Weichert led the Panthers offense as he scored three touchdowns and amassed 123 receiving yards on four catches.  Isaiah Skeete tallied a major and accumulated 140 rushing yards.  Jake Moore and Morgan Williams also scored for the Panthers in the victory.

Panthers quarterback Nate Skeete threw three touchdown passes while rookie pivot Daniel Claridge had two passing touchdowns.

Kicker Matt Kelvey was successful on six conversion attempts.

Panthers Head Coach Joe Flemming evaluated the defensive unit’s performance.

“Prince Andrew’s defence was a well-rounded effort by all with Ben Deturbide setting the tone early and often recording two sacks, and interception and several solo tackles,” commented Flemming.  “Gordie Bedwell reeled in a blocked punt by Darian Beals and ran it into the end zone rounding out the defensive effort.”

In the game, Beals recorded two sacks, a blocked punt and racked up several solo tackles.  Matt Neilsen recorded two sacks while Matt Valardo caught an interception.  Terell Clayton batted down the ball three times while Tyshaun Boutilier had a fumble recovery.

With the victory, the Panthers have a 3-1 record.  The Gators slide to 1-3 on the season.

Prince Andrew Panthers will travel to Sydney to take on the host Wildcats on Sunday October 6th, 2013 at 3:30pm.  As for the Gators, the team will host the Dartmouth High Spartans on Sunday October 6th, 2013 at 1:00pm.

JL ILSLEY JUDGES 22, COBEQUID EDUCATIONAL CENTRE COUGARS 21:

On Monday, the JL Ilsley Judges finally got a win over the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars.  The Judges edged the Cougars 22-21.

Judges rookie Nick Tzaneteas returned the opening kickoff for 87 yards and followed that with a 62 yard interception return right up to the goal line.  Tzaneteas also registered five tackles in the game.

At halftime, the Judges enjoyed a 15-3 lead.  However, a late field goal by the Cougars in the first half shifted the momentum of the game.

In the third quarter, the Cougars recovered two fumbles to give great field position. The Cougars capitalized by scoring a touchdown and adding a field goal to pull them to only a two point deficit (15-13).

With over two minutes remaining in the game Judges running back Joe Stuckless (136 rushing yards on 14 carries) rushed into the end zone for a 47 yard touchdown.  Then, the Judges added a two point conversion to give seal the victory.

“CEC was a vastly improved team over what we saw against Horton and made a lot of changes,” commented Judges Head Coach Steve Saunders after the win.  “We controlled most of the game but penalties, fumbles and poor tackling put CEC back in the game every time we started to get something going.”

“Joe Stuckless was outstanding running, catching, kicking and made three key tackles on defense late in the game.”

For the Cougars, Austin Wheeler ran into the end zone for a major and rushed for 123 yards on nine carries while receiver Tyren Desmond had a 25 yard touchdown reception. Quarterback Alex Upham had 11 completions in 16 attempts for 146 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception.  Kicker Nick Zscheille was successful on 26 and 20 yard field goal attempts.

Defensive lineman Drew Erksine led the Cougars defense by registering five tackles and also recovered a fumble.  Adam Kaulbach added three tackles and recorded a sack while Patrick Smith chipped in with three tackles and recovered a fumble.

“Our defense played well and our offense got some rhythm late in the game, but we still could not completely recover from a slow start to the game,” said Cougars Quarterback Coach Thomas Shreve after the loss.

With the win, the Judges remain unbeaten with a 4-0 record.  As for the Cougars, the team is 1-2 on the season.

JL Ilsley Judges will play Sackville High Kingfishers on Sunday October 6th, 2013 at Charles P Allen High School.  Kickoff is 7:00pm. Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars will travel to Antigonish to battle Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals on Friday October 4th, 2013 at 7:00pm.

Cole Harbour Cavaliers

COLE HARBOUR CAVALIERS 49, HALIFAX WEST WARRIORS 0:

At Burnside Turf on Monday evening, Cole Harbour Cavaliers served notice to other teams in the league that they are a contender.  The Cavaliers squashed the defending Tier 2 provincial champions, Halifax West Warriors 49-0.

“The Cavaliers attack on offense was led by the solid play of the offensive line as they were able to create holes in the Halifax West Warriors defense for Liam McVarnock and Joel “Hollywood” Russel to both gain well over 100 yards each and to score three and two majors respectively,” commented Cavaliers Head Coach Peter Crouse after the win.  “”General” Cameron Bidal added a major on the ground with a gutsy run.”

“There was a balance attack on offense with some great receptions by Hollywood Russell and Spencer “Bubblewrap” Wells. The defense was clearly led by the dominant play of linebacker Josh Bray, the circus show put on by Gaylin Smith, and the awakening of All-Star defensive end Joey Wedsworth. Special team featured strong kicking by Joe Russel, a pick-6 by Gaylin Smith plus some big hits by Rookie Kevin Holland.”

Overall, the Cavaliers felt the Warriors were formidable opponents on Monday.

“While Halifax West was playing short-handed, they played a typical hard-nosed style of well-disciplined football we’ve come to expect from Coach Kelly’s teams,” added Crouse.  “It was a toughly contested match!”

Warriors Head Coach Dave Kelly gave his post-mortem on why the team did not have a good showing on the field.

“We had a small group of kids play hard, but overall we didn’t give a good enough team effort,” commented Kelly.  “We have a lot of kids who haven’t played much football and we have to learn what it is to want to compete for the work game.”

“We lost our quarterback earlier in the week and we seemed to have a lot of trouble creating any offense.”

The Cavaliers remain unbeaten this season with a 3-0 record while Warriors slide to 2-1 with their first loss of the season.

Cole Harbour Cavaliers will host the Avon View Avalanche on Monday October 7th, 2013 at Burnside Turf.  Kickoff is 6:00pm.  Halifax West Warriors will be on the road this week as the team will battle Northeast Kings Titans on Sunday October 6th, 2013 at Kinsman Field.  Game start is 1:00pm

(NOTE:  All teams were contacted for NSSAFFL Weekly Recap)

Photo credits:

CPA Cheetahs – Karrie Ann Buchanan

Citadel Phoenix – Cathy Connell

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