The North Bay Bulldogs Junior Varsity Football team traveled to Waterloo to take on the Predators looking to improve on their 1–3 record in OVFL action Saturday evening.
After struggling all game last week in their game against Etobicoke the JV Bulldogs offense worked out some kinks and came to life in Waterloo posting 549 yards of offense in their 37–35 win over the Predators.
The Bulldogs went to work early with Riley Geisler hitting Dawson Drinkwalter on a 25-yard scoring pass four minutes into the game. Later in the 2nd quarter, the Dogs struck again on a drive featuring strong running by Ryan Fournier capped with a 13 yard run by Riley Geisler to go up 14–0 after Lyric Loranger’s converts.
The Predators’ fastest player was also the QB and his deep threat arm caused real problems for the Dogs defense. Late in the 2nd quarter, the Predators hit some completions downfield with a rollout passing game and their QB proved to be a great escape artist using his legs to buy time for receivers to get open. With 23 seconds left in the half, the Predators cut the lead in half with an exciting scoring pass.
Early in the 3rd Bulldogs responded behind running back Riley Lavergne and effective passing with Adam Courchesne responsible for 30+ reception yards on the drive. Then Riley Geisler found Riley Lavergne for his first passing TD of the day putting the Bulldogs up 21–7.
As is expected in the OVFL, Canada’s highest caliber four-down football league, teams put out their best effort to try to win no matter the score. The Predators held true to that effort and struck deep to quickly to cut the lead to 21–14. It seemed the Bulldogs defense was having trouble getting a handle on the mobility of the Predators QB and the strength of his arm. The Predators struck once again in the air and tied the game at 21 late in the 3rd.
The Bulldogs offense went into high gear passing extensively with Adam Courchesne having a great game and took the lead again on a long completion to Lyric Loranger. The Predators came back again quickly and took the lead for the first time 28–27. The Bulldogs continued to respond taking back the lead again with a field goal by Lyric Loranger.
Midway through the 4th quarter, the Bulldogs put together a drive that was capped by a final completion to Riley Lavergne to put the Dogs up 37–28. In the final minutes of the game, the Predators put out a great effort to get back in and did score another TD to bring their team to within 2 points. The Bulldogs’ defense finally solved the Predators offense as Michael Paquet intercepted a pass to preserve the win.
Adam Courchesne had a career-high day with 157 yards on 9 receptions and 51 yards rushing.
Riley Lavergne carried the ball 12 times for 63 yards and was on the receiving end of three passes and scoring two TDs in the Dogs win. Ashton Stanley led the team in rushing with 82 yards while Dawson Drinkwalter chipped in 45 yards on the ground and 31 yards receiving. In total, the Bulldogs rushed for 308 yards and passed for 241 yards. Defensively, Dylan Grant netted himself a sack and Michael Paquet led the team with 5 tackles and an interception.
Gavin Neal recovered a fumble and recorded three tackles. Ryan Dowdall and Dustin St Martin each earned four tackles each.
Tough road loss for Bantam Bulldogs
The Bantam Bulldogs had a rough afternoon traveling to the first place Kitchener/Waterloo predators in OVFL action on Saturday.
The first place Predators took advantage of their size on both lines and in the backfield while cruising to 65 -0 victory over the Bulldogs.
"We got to see a very big team today and they showed why they are in first place," said Bantam Bulldogs head coach Eric Morgan.
"Their O-line created massive holes for their 250 pound full back and 230 pound running back all day long, they were the biggest full back and running back I have ever seen at this level.
"We just didn't have the size to stop them, they would drag 5 or 6 defenders with them on every play."
Despite being outsized the Bulldogs had some big plays on defense to stall the offense of the Predators in the second half, Jackson O'Connor got two interceptions today and Christian Huter got two key sacks and a batted ball.
"We didn't have any luck today on penalty calls<" says Morgan.
"Having a kick off return for a touchdown called back on a block in the back and we also had two questionable late hit calls to extend their drives which led to more points for the Predators.
"We go back to work this week but we have a lot of positives that came out of this game and I think our team still has a lot of potential in it."
The Bantam Bulldogs hit the road for the last time next weekend against a struggling squad from Hamilton. The Bulldogs then will return home for their final two games on home field.
