Defence Leads Wildcats to Final

Widdifield quarterback Pat Rideout attempts a pass while being chased down by Joseph Clement (L) and Eric Fillion of Algonquin. Photo by Matt Gordon.

The Widdifield Wildcat defence forced 8 turnovers on the way to a 33-0 win over the Algonquin Barons in the NDA senior football semi-final.

Linebacker Cam Gummo was all over the field for the Wildcats. Last year's defensive co-MVP had a fumble recovery, an interception and a couple of long punt returns.

"Our defence had a whale of a game," said Widdifield head coach Sean Mullan. "The pressure by the defence was great today," added the bench boss.

The Wildcats opened the scoring in when running back Blaine LeBlond plunged over the goal line for a short 2 yard score.

The 'Cats forced 6 of their turnovers in the first half alone, giving their offence great field position several times. However, the Barons defence held strong allowing only the lone TD.

Early in the second half Wildcat defensive back Dan Cobbledick was credited with a safety when he tackled the Barons punter in his own end zone on a bad snap.

Cobbledick then added a single on a missed field goal only to follow that up with three straight successful field goal attempts.

With the score now 19-0, LeBlond plunged in for his second score of the game early in the fourth quarter.

Back-up quarterback Leighton Shubert added a late TD for the Wildcats to round the scoring. Cobbledick added the extra marker on all three of the 'Cats touchdowns.

Mullan was very pleased that his team was able to turn things around after playing to a 14-14 draw against the Barons last week.

"Thats a team that always gives us trouble, we were scared about this match-up coming in," said Mullan.

The Wildcats will now move on to face the West Ferris Trojans in the NDA final. This will be the third straight season that the two teams will meet in the final.