BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Queen's Athletic Field comes alive tonight as two big high
school football playoff games kick off.
Starting at 4:30 pm, the St. Benedict Bears (6-0) will take on
the Lockerby Vikings (4-2) in the first semifinal. In game two,
Confederation (5-1) squares off against Lo-Ellen Park (4-2) at
7:30 pm.
St. Benedict versus Lockerby
The Bears and Vikings hooked up for a wild game back on Oct.
12, with St. Benedict winning 17-13. For the Vikings, they were
lead by running backs Adam Legault (133 rushing yards and one
touchdown) and Myles McKay (116 yards rushing). Statistics for
St. Benedict from that game were unavailable.
The Bears have put their heart-and-soul into this season, going
unbeaten, and they know they will get respect if they take the
championship. First, they have to knock off the defending
champion Vikings.
"We've overcome adversity all season...if something doesn't go
our way, we've been able to bounce back," said head coach
Franco Rocca. "We have to play smart, disciplined football. The
vets really stepped up and led by example. We have no
superstars...everyone comes in with a workman attitude. There's
a team unity here that I've never seen before and they're
focused. They want respect. They worked hard all season. Our
record was no accident. We're proud of them. Each game they
play will be the game of their lives."
Lockerby is the defending city champion, and despite massive
losses due to graduating players, they still want to hoist
another Sudbury crown over their heads.
"My team wanted St. Benedict...we had a tough loss to them
earlier this season and we want to avenge it," said head coach
Geoff Richer. "The boys showed a lot of emotion after the loss
and then went out and played their best game of the season the
following week."
Lockerby has its sights set on stopping the Bears' offence and
getting theirs going as well.
"Offensively, we have to establish the run to open up the
passing game," said Richer. "Defensively, we have to contain
the roll out pass from quarterback Andrew Kirkwood and limit
their running game. Our linebackers have to step up."
Confederation versus Lo-Ellen Park
Confederation won the only meeting, 44-25, between the two
clubs this season. Running back Mike Switzer ate up the
Knights, rushing for 239 yards and scoring three touchdowns. In
the air, quarterback Trevor Jessop threw for 133 yards and two
majors. For Lo-Ellen, running back Kyle Cooper lead the way,
rushing for 132 yards and scoring one touchdown. Quarterback
Brett Walter tossed for 185 yards.
Confederation will be hoping their high-flying offence
continues to roll along.
"Offensively, we have to run and pass the ball," said head
coach Brandon Dougan. "If you can't run the ball, you will not
win. Defensively, we have to stop Cooper and their two wide
receivers...if we can do that, we'll keep it close.
Turnovers will make a difference too. If one team turns it over too much, they will have a tough time winning."
The Knights learned plenty from the 44-25 loss.
"It will be a closer game," said head coach Kevin Ellsworth.
"It was an eye-opener for the team. We were undefeated at the
time and they came in ready and we were not. We will need to
play solid defence and tackle well. We have to stop their
running game, or at least limit it. Our offensive line will
have to play their best as well. We want to be in the finals. I
will need Walter to bring his A game."
Overall, The Knights put forth a solid effort this season.
"It's been great...we have a dedicated group of kids," said the
coach.
Overall, everyone in the local football community agrees the
two games will be barnburners.
"This is the closest the top-four teams have been in a long
time," said Dougan. "Any one of these four teams could win.
Fans are going to see some great football."
