After rough start, JV Ticats begin win streak
Losing the home opener to the Brantford Bisons at Tim Hortons Field, a stadium of incredible venue and home to the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Ticats isn’t exactly what the Junior Varsity Ticats had in mind to begin the season.
However recent games has shown that losing can’t bring down this group of young players as they have gone on to win their following games since the loss to Brantford.
Last Friday, the Ticats returned home after a victory in Waterloo and hoped they could begin a win streak. Luckily the junior Ticats did just that and powered through with a 33-22 win. Although head coach Bert McCallum said it wasn’t the prettiest of wins, he was very happy to see his team fight hard and walk away, winning the close fight
“I would say that it was an ugly win but as someone once told me, pretty is for dresses” said McCallum.
The junior varsity team is a young group, most players are only in grade nine coming into a league where you are expected to know the game in every way shape and form. For young players it can throw you off balance but the junior varsity group has shown just how quickly they grow after rebounding and not repeating any mistakes they make.
When asked about any key players who stand out most to McCallum and have been a huge impact on the teams recent success, he shrugged and couldn’t pick out a single player but instead credited everyone on teamwork and growing together to create a winning team.
“One thing I like about this team is that we don’t have one player that stands out above everyone else” added McCallum.
The Ticats are staying home for their next game as Sarnia comes to town on Saturday afternoon. The junior varsity Sturgeons have yet to win a game but Coach McCallum knows that doesn’t mean to go easy, his game plan is to play every game like it could be their last.
“Stay positive with the guys, encourage them as much as possible. Teach them that they need to focus on what is next and finish strong”
Photo credits: Jennifer SIlvestri
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