Bulldogs look to enter playoffs on a roll

The North Bay Bulldogs have an opportunity to head into the playoffs with momentum; but the task will not be easy. The Bulldogs will be looking for back to back wins and five victories in their last six games when they head to Oshawa to face the National Champion Hawkeyes. With a playoff spot already locked up it would be easy for the Bulldogs to take it easy this week, but head coach Marc Mathon does not buy into that philosophy.

“We go out wanting to win every game,” said Mathon sternly.

“I don’t think it is fun to just go out there and try and compete. We want to go in to the playoffs on a role. It is important that we go out there this week and improve once again, we want to force our opponents to play their best.”

Mathon felt that their game against Quinte-Limestone last week - a 42-7 victory - was a good indicator as to how far the team has come. It was another solid performance by the defence and the offense had finally come to life. The return to health of quarterback Jason Ferreira played a key role in the victory, and also gives the team confidence heading into the playoffs.

“The finger is getting a lot better,” said Mathon with regards to his quarterbacks’ injured throwing hand.

“That game against the Panthers gave us a ton of confidence, it was a huge boost. Jason got a lot of time and was able to make good reads. The receivers were running their routes hard. It all came together nicely and we were able to execute.”

Sitting in fifth place heading into the game this week the Bulldogs know that they will be going on the road in the first round of the playoffs. In most years making the playoffs would be considered a success, but Mathon cannot help but think of what could have been. Mathon still thinks back to the week one loss to Sarnia, a game in which the Bulldogs were caught off guard.

“We could be 5-2 right now,” said Mathon in regards to the potential of being able to host a playoff game.

“I really thought we would have won that first game. Sarnia definitely caught us off guard. But I mean what can you do? We had six turnovers in that game, it’s going to be tough to win whenever you give up possession of the ball that many times.”

Mathon wouldn't indicate whether or not he had a preference to his playoff opponent.

“We are going to play either Oakville, or the Sault. There is a chance it could be Oshawa or Tri City as well. A lot of guys would like a shot at the Sault again as we did not play our best game in week two. Oakville is a lot like us this year, where they have improved every game they have played, it would definitely be a great game if we faced each other.”

Mathon also added that he will not rest anyone this week in preparation for the playoffs.

“We’ll go with everyone that is ready to go; anyone that is available will be playing.”

The Bulldogs and Hawkeyes close off the regular season portion of their schedules this Saturday, July 28th. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Check back to Baytoday.ca for a recap of the game Sunday.

Bulldogs happy about scoreboard

It has been a long time coming. For a couple of years now it seems as though there had been talk of a scoreboard being added to Rollie Fischer field but it never seemed as though it was going to happen. However last week the Bulldogs finally got their wish as the scoreboard was set up for their regular season finale.

"It was really nice to see it there. Better late then never right? There were a few problems with it's functionality, but we are sure the city is going to get it fixed. It's just really nice to finally see it up there, it definately adds to the field. Hopefully things can go our way and maybe we can get one more game at home this year," said Mathon.