Barons playoff heroics

The Algonquin Barons advanced to the NDA junior football semi-final with a 12-7 victory over the Franco-Cité Patriotes.

The Barons opened the game with a solid opening drive, advancing the ball the Franco-Cité 2 yard line. The Patriotes’ defence led by Pascal Séguin and Ivan Hérad, however, stiffened and was able to hold the Barons to a field goal attempt, which was no good.

Late in the second quarter, the Patriotes took advantage of a Barons turnover and marched the ball downfield with a solid running attack led by André Arcand. Franco-Cité QB Jesse Audette then hooked up with slot back Justin McLeod for a 25 yard pass and run play to the Barons’ two-yard line. Arcand then punched it in for 6. Pascal Séguin booted the convert to make it 7-0 Patriotes.

In the second half, the Barons running attack led by tailbacks Éric Joly and Collin Glass took over - controlling the clock and leading several sustained Algonquin drives. With less than 3 minutes remaining, Joly finally punched it in for 6 from 2 yards out. The convert attempt was subsequently blocked, making it 7-6 Franco.

The ensuing onside kick was unsuccessful, however, the Barons’ defence led by Joe Clément, Zach Wilkinson and David Landry were able to hold, forcing the Patriotes to punt. On the ensuing drive, Algonquin managed to drive the ball to the Patriotes’ 35-yard line. With four seconds remaining, Barons punter Miguel Champagne booted a line drive into the Patriotes end zone, hoping for a single point (rouge) that would send the game into overtime.

However, the Patriotes’ punt returner fumbled the ball in the end zone. The fumbled ball was then scooped up by Barons’ slotback Zach Wilkinson for the major, giving Algonquin the last second victory.

The Barons will now square off against the St. Joseph’s Scollard-Hall Bears, this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Cundari Field in one of the two NDA junior football semi-finals.

Submitted to BayToday.ca