Stampeders win 2 of 3 home openers against London: Bantam’s first loss in 4 years

The home opener for the bantams and the season opener for the junior varsity and varsity Stampeders drew a large crowd for each game at Notre Dame Secondary School Sunday afternoon against London’s Forest City Thunderbirds. The Burlington summer rep football teams play in the Ontario Football Conference. All three teams are looking to repeat as champions this summer.

Varsity Stamps shut out London

Looking to demonstrate why they are ranked number one in Ontario, the varsity Stampeders opened their season against London’s Forest City Thunderbirds. QB Will Finch took full advantage of his passing abilities and a large stable of receivers to exercise the playbook in the three-down ball the varsity teams play, in the first match of the season.

“For a first game of the season you cannot be to upset with our performance. We made mistakes and were lucky we did many more things right today than wrong. Said head coach Sean Williamson. “We we were able to get up early and get everyone some quality playing time.”

With three scores in the first quarter, including a TD to Wes Livermore who also kicked the conversions and a field goal set the tone for the game. Finch found Josh Vanderweerd and Livermore for majors in the second quarter.

The defence kept the team in scoring position, held the Thunderbirds to only three earned first downs and added a touchdown in the first quarter with a pick from Ben Millar. The game was 32-0 at the half.

The second half added scores with passes to Livermore and Trevor Reid. Livermore’s kicking was perfect for the game which ended 45-0.

“We know we have a better test for us in our game in Hamilton this week. They have circled this day on the calendar a few months ago and I know it will be an all out war.” said Williamson.

The varsity Stamps face the Hamilton-Wentworth Panthers on Saturday at 6pm at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

Junior Varsity fly past Thunderbirds

The junior varsity Stampeders came back from London’s first strike and a 7-0 deficit in the early minutes of the game with a 55-13 win to open their summer season.

After the score by London, the Stamps scored twice more in the first and another four times in the second, going into the break 42-7. First-year kicker, Adam McIntosh was blocked once but was solid for six conversions. One of the two, two-point conversions was successful for the squad.

“The team put forward a good effort today,” said head coach Andy Van Oosterhout. “Next week they need to bring their “A” game to Hamilton.”

Jonathan Howard led the team’s scoring with four majors, one with a 94-yard run contributing to the 199 yards total in 15 carries. Cole Masnaghi added two majors and 37 yards. First-year running back, Michael Parent added a major and 80 yards, along with Jake Lavigne who had 41 yards rushing with his score.

Quarterback Troy Downton completed 80 yards passing including a 64-yard bomb to Liam Stokes and one each to Luke Korol and Connor Cooke.

The defence held off the Thunderbirds who rallied in the third quarter. Addison Olah and Bryce James led the effort with four tackles each. Dustin Snider and Derek Osborne added three each. Kyle Argent, who was stellar on special teams with 78 yards, had an interception too.
The team has been ranked number three in Ontario by canadafootballchat.com and looks to improve on that recognition next week when it faces Hamilton Wentworth at 5:30pm at MacRae fields.

Bantams first loss in four seasons

Despite some impressive offence, the bantam Stamps weren’t able to come from behind to win, resulting in the team’s first defeat in four seasons, 8-6.

“We beat ourselves today,” said head coach Cliff Bruce. “We played a good game and a great game defensively. But we need to do better.”

The Thunderbirds scored early in the first quarter with an 80-yard pass with a successful point after. The Stamps answered with a major by Andrew Pipilas but the missed point after left them short of a tie game.

The only scoring in the second half was a roux by the Thunderbirds. The Stampeders had several opportunities however turnovers, two interceptions and three fumbles, took away the team’s momentum and field position.

Pipilas led the rushing with 124 yards followed by Dominic Mandalfino with 75. Mitchell Baker connected with quarterback Tyson Delic for 43 yards total, one of which, a 25 yard completion in the closing minutes put the Stamps in scoring position.

The bantams will take their 1-1 record on the road to Hamilton-Wentworth to face the Panthers at 2pm this Sunday, June 5 at MacRae fields.

Photos: Cheryl Luckie Photography