BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The Confederation Chargers senior boys' football team has used
a triple threat combination this season to dismantle opposing
team's defences.
At the start of the season, there wasn't too many football
experts giving the Chargers a chance at making it to the city
championship game again.
Then, they started hammering squads thanks, in large part, to
three offensive players who were looking to make their mark
this season.
Quarterback Trevor Jessop, wide receiver Matt Mott and running
back Mike Switzer all had break out campaigns which helped
Confederation rack up an unbelievable 2,500+ yards on total
offence and scorched opponents for over 25 touchdowns.
By themselves, Mott, Jessop and Switzer piled up over 2,000
yards in just passing, receiving and rushing yards, along with
25 touchdowns.
To say they're important cogs would be an understatement.
"They've all been huge for us all season," said head coach
Brandon Dougan. "I feel we have three potential MVPs. They work
hard and do the right things. They couldn't do it without their
offensive line though."
The threesome digs deep into the character well to help the
team win games.
"Matt has made some big catches for us," said Dougan. "He's
shown he can go on and play at another level beyond high
school...he's fast and runs great patterns. Mike is a smart
running back. He follows his blocks and cuts well...he
understands how to be patient as a running back. Trevor is a
natural leader and leads the offence. He's good at reading
defences and putting the ball where it's supposed to be."
Mott, 17, was out to prove a lot this season. He had 408
receiving yards with seven touchdowns.
"My first goal was to be the Number-One receiver in the
league...I've done my best to accomplish that," said Mott.
"During the off-season, I worked out in the gym everyday and it
helped me a lot. The season I've had has been great and I
wasn't expecting to get these numbers...it has me pumped."
Jessop, 18, and the others know they're not the only ones
playing hard on the field every game. Jessop was one of the top
quarterbacks, throwing for 824 yards and 12 touchdowns.
"The big numbers are nice...it's everyone around me who's
making things work," said Jessop. "The offence has clicked all
year. I didn't think I would get the numbers I had because it
was my first year as starting quarterback. I think I proved I
can play the position."
Switzer, 18, isn't thinking about his bloated totals. He had
677 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
"Stats don't mean much to me...As long as everyone plays hard
and we win, it's all that matters to me," said Switzer.
"It does feel really good to have the numbers we do. We feel great about our offensive ability."
Stats aside, the boys want one thing more than anything: a city
championship to celebrate. Confederation lost 7-6 last year in
the final game.
"We want to win it all this year...it will take a strong
effort," said Jessop.
Coming within a whisker of a championship isn't the only thing
fuelling the fires for Confederation.
"At the start of the year, people were talking about us
finishing in sixth place," said Mott. "We talked about it and
decided we wouldn't let that happen...so it motivates us."
Confederation plays the Lo-Ellen Park Knights at Queen's
Athletic Field at 7 pm in a semifinal playoff game.
St. Benedict and Lockerby play the other semifinal game at 4
pm.
