The SR Varsity Hamilton Ironmen stepped on to McMasters Ron Joyce Field to face their boarding rival Niagara Spears with a great deal of uncertainty. With only a handful of returning starters and a bench filled with new faces the coaching staff were unclear as to how they would be defined as a team this season. However, as the National Anthem came to an end and the fans anticipated the season openers first kickoff, the Ironmen showed that although most of the names on the jerseys were different nothing had really changed.
The Ironmen opened up the game recovering their opening kickoff, and were able to move the ball successfully throughout the first quarter finding the end zone first on an Alex Hill run. RBs Silvestri, Barkovich, Hazel, and Haggerty dived up the number of touches in the backfield while QB Alex Hill eluded defenders and found receiver Anthony Pizzutti on numerous occasions outstretching the Niagara secondary to keep drives moving.
The Defence gave up only one score late in the game and was led by hard hitting LB Joe Richardson. Melvin Baughan and Cam Dakin each recorded turnovers while LB Domenic Bellardini had two interceptions, as well as adding two field goals and a single to the cause. When all was said and done the Ironmen were able to hold on to a 14-7 victory, to enter the 2011 season at 1-0.
“We are satisfied with the win and efforts but not our execution” stated coach Underhill, “If we take away the penalties and mental errors I think that we are right in the mix of the elite”. The Ironmen travel to Londons TD Waterhouse stadium next Saturday at 8pm to square off against the Falcons.
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