For the first time since 2007, a Hamilton Catholic team has earned a spot in the OFSAA Bowl Series.
Justin Connolly scored three touchdowns to lead CFC #32 Cardinal Newman Cardinals to a 31-24 victory over CFC #22 Assumption Crusaders in the Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference (GHAC) title.
With this victory, the Cardinals win their first GHAC championship.
Early In the first quarter, Connolly snuck into the end zone for a one yard run to put the Cardinals on the scoreboard. Then minutes later, quarterback Matt Metcalfe connected with Connolly for a 29 yard major to put the Cardinals up by 14 points.
However, the Crusaders would strike early in the second quarter as Jordan Lyons ran the ball all the way into the end zone for a 45 yard run. Soon after, Terrance Giangregorio was successful on a 23 yard field goal attempt to pull the Crusaders within four points of the Cardinals.
At halftime, the Cardinals enjoyed a slim 14-10 lead.
In the third quarter, Connolly would score his third touchdown of the game, again on a one yard run. Additionally, Metcalfe connected with Clark Adams for a 62 yard major to strengthen the lead 30-10.
The Crusaders tried to mount a late comeback. Lyons scored his second touchdown of the day as he ran into the end zone for a 30 yard score. Then Lyons connected with Tyler Bryk for a 22 yard major.
Ultimately, the comeback was too little too late. Moreover, the Crusaders did not play a disciplined game as the team drew 107 penalty yards in the game.
Connolly amassed 122 rushing yards on six carries to go along with his three majors. Metcalfe had eight completions in 13 attempts and two passing touchdowns for the Cardinals.
For the Crusaders, Lyons racked up 170 rushing yards on 13 carries in addition to his two touchdowns in the game.
With this victory, the Cardinals move on to the OFSAA Bowl Series where the team will battle Toronto District Catholic Athletic Association (TDCAA) representative, Don Bosco Eagles on Friday November 29th in Etobicoke at Centennial Stadium.
A2013 GHAC Senior Football – Championship Summary
Assumption Crusaders 24 vs. Cardinal Newman Cardinals 31
First HWCAA team to advance to OFSAA since 2007
Qtr. Team Time Play Convert Running
1st CN 2:32 Justin Connolly, 1 yard run Marcus DiLoreto CN 7-0
1st CN 10:48 Justin Connolly from Matt Metcalfe, 29 yds. Marcus DiLoreto CN 14-0
2nd Assm 9:33 Jordan Lyons, 45 yard run Terrance Giangregorio CN 14-7
2nd Assm 11:54 Terrance Giangregorio, 23 yard field goal n/a CN 14-10
3rd CN 4:23 Justin Connolly, 1 yard run Marcus DiLoreto CN 21-10
3rd CN 5:07 Safety touch, tackle in end zone n/a CN 23-10
3rd CN 5:39 Clark Adams from Matt Metcalfe, 62 yds. Marcus DiLoreto CN 30-10
3rd Assm 10:24 Jordan Lyons, 30 yard run Terrance Giangregorio CN 30-17
4th Assm 2:29 Tyler Bryk from Jordan Lyons, 22 yds. Terrance Giangregorio CN 30-24
4th CN 6:15 Neal Sullivan, rouge, wide fg n/a CN 31-24
TEAM STATS
Assumption Cardinal Newman
Rushing (att.-yds.) 20-218 35-204
Passing Yards 176 208
– Team Losses -16 -6
Net Offence 372 406
First Downs 17 20
Return Yards 36 101
Fumbles-Lost 2-2 1-1
Turnover on Downs 1 1
Interceptions by 0 0
Penalties-Yards 12-107 10-80
INDIVIDUAL STATS
CRUSADERS CARDINALS
Rushing (atts.-yds.) Jordan Lyons 13-170, 2 tds Mitchell Atlee 9-112
Adam Van Kooten 3-31 Matt Metcalfe 9-46
Receiving (cat.-yds.) Tyler Bryk 4-55, td Justin Connolly 6-122, td
Zaid Da Wood 2-52 Clark Adams 1-62, td
Passing Adam Van Kooten 9-21-0-0 Matt Metcalfe 8-13-2-0
(comp.-atts.-tds-int) Jordan Lyons 1-1-0-0 Marcus DiLoreto 1-1-0-0
Cardinal Newman advance to O.F.S.A.A. Football Festival. They will play Don Bosco Eagles (T.D.C.A.A. Champs) of Toronto on Friday November 29 kicking off at 11:30 a.m. at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke.
(Game summary: John Metcalfe)
Photo credit: Gary Yokoyama, Hamilton Spectator
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