Bulldogs introduce new quarterbacks

New faces. Bulldogs quarterbacks Jack Ramsey (right) and Matt Gordon (left) play catch prior to a practice last week at Chippewa Senior Secondary. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The North Bay Bulldogs will have a new look behind center this season.

Last year’s quarterback tandem on Marc Mcleod and Dave Wilson combined to throw for 839 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. This season local product Matt Gordon and newcomer Jack Ramsey hope to help improve a team that finished 4-4 and lost in the opening round of the NFC playoffs.

Matt Gordon is a former St. Joseph-Scollard Hall quarterback who has spent the past few seasons playing on the other side of the ball. While he’s new to the position at this level, Bulldogs head coach Marc Mathon believes he’ll benefit from his defensive experience.

“With Matt Gordon, he’s been in the league for quite sometime playing on defence so he’s going to be able to recognize some of the things that defences are doing against us which is going to help,” said Mathon.

“He’s very mobile, you know when we want to get moving and move the pocket around, get the quarterback out of the pocket so he’s certainly somebody who’s going to be able to get it done.”

Gordon doesn’t feel any pressure as he still believes the offence will be focused around a strong running game led by 2005 NFC rushing leader McKerrow Bilz.

“Clock control will be our big thing this year,” said Gordon

“My goal is to keep the ball in our team’s hands not throw any interceptions, try to keep the ball on the ground.”

Meantime rookie Jack Ramsey brings with him some experience playing in the Canadian Jr. Football league, where Ramsey played two seasons at quarterback for the Victoria Rebels.

“He’s going to bring some good experience to the club and we’re excited about the prospects of what we’re going to be able to accomplish this year,” said Mathon.

Ramsey, who moved from Victoria to Sundridge in the off-season brings with him a more traditional, but less mobile quarterback style.

“I guess you could say I’m like Dan Marino, not too fast but I sit in the pocket and throw a nice ball and lead the team,” said Ramsey.

The Bulldogs haven’t committed to either quarterback yet as a starter as the local NFC clubs continues training camp in preparation for their season opener on June 3rd against the Toronto Raiders at Esther Shiner Stadium in the provincial capital.