Bantams Advance, Varsity Chatham-Kent Cougars Eliminated
The Chatham-Kent Cougars Bantams carried their winning ways from the end of the regular season into their first Ontario Football Conference playoff game by carving out a 24-13 win over the Twin Cities Predators.
The offense was sparked by the strong running game of Justin Stevens, Ethan Smith and Jermaine Caldwell. Caldwell scored one of three Cougars touchdowns on the day. The offensive line helped by opening holes for the running backs, as well as giving quarterback Kelton Evans ample time to throw the ball. Evans connected on long completions to Jake Anderson, Sinjin Rountree, Robbie Wright, and Ross Krieger. Anderson and Krieger pulled down catches for touchdowns.
Stephon Wilson kicked a field goal late in the first half as well as converting all three extra points. The defense and special teams came up strong all game as they battled to keep the dangerous Predators running game in check. A late game strip of the ball by Griffin Campbell and ensuing recovery by Nolan Hakr sealed the victory for the Bantam Cougars who will now venture to Burlington to attempt an upset over the higher seeded Stampeders.
The Varsity Chatham-Kent Cougars took to the field in Waterloo, but were unable to duplicate the success of the Bantams losing to the Twin Cities Predators 29 – 21 to end their OFC championship hopes.
Kyle Ross threw a touchdown pass to Lee Purnell, who was a week 8 OFC player of the week nominee. Jeremiah Hamilton ran for a touchdown in the loss, and also threw an 85 yard TD pass to Josh Wright. Josh Woodman had over 150 yards receiving. Graham Smyth had 165 yards in return yards and had an interception for a touchdown called back on a penality.
On the defensive side of the ball, Tristan Robinet had an interception and 6 tackles. Larry VandenBerghe, Branden Thompson, Graham Smyth, and Curtis Labute were defensive standouts in the game, while Cody St Pierre, Jake Langstaff, Chris Verrall, and Mitch Rate were excellent on special teams.
For many Varsity Chatham-Kent Cougars, this marked their last game of Ontario Football Conference action, while the younger Bantam Cougars will play on to represent their organization.