North Bay Bulldogs earns First Club Provincial Championship in 50 years.
The North Bay Senior Varsity Bulldogs captured the Ontario Provincial Football League Championships with a tight 18-15 win over the Beckwith Irish to capture the title in the four-team provincial league at the game held at Tim Horton's Field in Hamilton on Sunday.
Running Back Ryan McColeman, named the gamed MVP, rushed for a game-high 120 yards as the Bulldogs ran for 230 yards in the win. He also came up with three fourth-down gambles fighting for the extra yards on each and every carry.
“Every single player on our team went into this game knowing the game plan and was committed to executing what the coaches had drawn up,” said McColeman.
“Many players on the team took a step down into less prominent roles in order to set up the team for the greatness that was to come, it was truly selfless and those unsung heroes on the weekend deserve just as much praise as anyone else in our team.”
Jonah Tignanelli rushed for 30 yards and a TD while Lyric Loranger rushed for 53 yards and also scored the first TD of the day from 20 yards out.
Bulldogs head coach Doug Steringa was impressed with the play from his quarterback.
“High praise for QB Mason McGriskin for his leadership and how he was able to calmly keep our troops confident,” said Steringa in a release.
But the key turning point of the game came on defence late in the game.
With the Irish on the Bulldogs 15, they set up for a game-tying field goal, but Conor Doyle got through the line which forced the holder to scramble and attempt a pass while running out of the pocket but the holder then attempted a pass which was intercepted by Tignanelli which secured the Bulldogs win.
“This was a terrific full team win where all phases of the game contributed to the team’s success, including both lines and special teams,” said Bulldogs President Marc Mathon.
“What a great day for North Bay and the North Bay Bulldogs Football organization.”
