Pats and Barons tie one on

The Franco-Cité Patriotes did it the hard way but Pat Desjardins' punt return with under a minute left in the 4th quarter gave the Patriotes an important point in a 7-7 tie with the Algonquin Barons as both teams played a tight defensive game under the lights at the Barons new field.

Desjardins fielded a punt deep in Patriotes territory and looked to be buried at the 20 yard line until he broke free and ran for the end zone with 58 seconds left on the clock. Pascal Séguin kicked the convert. Jonathan Wilkinson had the Barons touchdown early in the first quarter after a Patriotes fumble. Jean-Michel Paulin kicked the convert. Both offensive squads failed to move the ball consistently as both teams were without key players on the offensive side of the ball.

Both the Barons and Patriotes are now tied for third spot in league standings, 1 point behind Scollard Hall and Northern. Next up for the Barons is a date with the first place Widdifield Wildcats next Friday.

The Pats get ready to meet their crosstown rivals, the Northern Braves when they play in the second annual Bomber Bowl on Thursday night in Sturgeon Falls.

Submitted to BayToday.ca