The Cambridge Lions hosted the Brantford Bisons in Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) junior varsity action yesterday at the ‘Jake’. A big crowd of hometown and visiting fans were treated to some exciting plays throughout the game.
Brantford received the first kick off and could not produce a first down on three consecutive run plays. The Bison punt was received off of a bounce, and on the run, by Lions returner Tyler Wismer. He took the punt untouched for 35 yards and an opening score touchdown. Kicker Kieran Burnham converted the touchdown for an early 7 to 0 lead at 12:51 of the opening frame.
The Bisons moved the ball on the next drive thanks mostly to a big fade pass from Austin Sault to Ben Crocock. An unnecessary roughness call added 15 yards to the already 30 yard play. Unfortunately for the Bisons, on both 3rd and 4th downs Lions defensive lineman Zack Sauer sacked Sault and the Lions took over possession.
The Lions again scored not long after on a nice catch and run by Lions outstanding receiver Adam Mueller (picture), from QB Austin Gordon. After the Burnham convert the Lions led 14 to 0, a score that would continue through the end of the quarter.
Before the end of the quarter the Bisons again turned the ball over on downs after an unsuccessful punt fake. This time the defense came up big led by a big sack from Ethan McClure.
The beginning of the second quarter saw the teams trade turnovers deep in Bison territory. The first was a nice interception play by the Bisons in a crowd of players. Unfortunately for the Bisons on the very next play a fumble recovered by Drew Walden may have put the final nail in the coffin and gave all the momentum to the home team.
Soon after the fumble recovery the Lions scored their 3rd touchdown, this time Travis Simpson was the player to hit pay dirt.
Another 3 and out by the Bisons on the next series and another scoring play for the Lions on their subsequent possession. This time though they had to settle for a field goal (23 yards, Burnham) after an unfortunate drop by a receiver on a cover 0, uncovered pass play.
The rest of the quarter the Lions defense continued their strong play. Drew Walden had a sack that looked like it would end the drive for the Bisons. But this time a successful punt fake extended the drive. Unfortunately the very next play Lions free safety Greg Vanderkooy stepped in front of a receiver to picked off the Sault pass.
What ensued was maybe the play of the day. Cambridge Lions receiver Brad Vince caught a spectacular one-handed fade, re-gained his balance, and ran to the end zone to complete a nice 58 yard touchdown play with :56 seconds remaining. The Lions were up 31 to 0 at half and cruised to a 42 to 0 victory.
Players to Watch
Bisons:
LB Shane Pasek 34
DL Matt Tait 53
DL Donavin Paul 51
DB Ian Lawrence 23
REC Ben Crocock 1
QB Austin Sault 7
RB Levi Jamieson 42
OL John Csetneky 54
Lions:
DL John Grant 99
DL Zack Sauer 77
DB Kevin Pham 4
RB Tyler Wismer 31
REC Simon Beeksma 80
REC Adam Mueller 5
REC Brad Vince 82
LB Drew Walden 52
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