The Burlington varsity Stampeders football team recorded a convincing 20-3 win versus the Sudbury Gladiators in the semi-final game to move the championship game against the Twin Cities Predators.
PICTURE: QB Will Finch
The first half was a defensive struggle as each team battled for field position with punt special teams seemed to dictating the flow. The highlights included a Jeremy Boschler blocked Sudbury field goal attempt, an Ashton Beaudry 35-yard punt return and an Evan Short field goal, knotting the score 3-3 at the half.
The Stampeder offence finally got going in the third quarter as Ryan DiRisio capped off a momentum-changing series with a touchdown, putting Burlington up 10-3. Defensive end Jordan Thompson led and rallied the Stamp defence to thwart Sudbury’s attempt to get back in the game with three fourth-quarter QB sacks (four for the game). Thompson shut the door on the Gladiator season as he intercepted a screen pass and ran it back for a touchdown, closing the scoring at 20-3.
Quarterback Will Finch threw for 223 passing yards on the day, finding receivers Brendan Conway for five catches and 84 yards. Ian Stewart pulled in four passes. In addition to the Thompson performance, Nigel Henry, Luke McQuillkin, Randy Williams and Tanner Care led the defence with standout play.
Head coach Neil Lumsden stated “This game was a total team effort. The boys played with emotion and intensity, and I’m proud of them all”.
The championship game against the home team will be the final one for the championship day at 7:30pm. It will be a tough one for the Stamps, as the Predators were their only loss all season. The Burlington squad will be looking to avenge the loss from earlier in the season and in last year’s championship game.
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
FPC West Showcase Spotlight: Alberta DT embracing the process of football with a major piece of advice
