Trojans claim NDA crown (updated more photos)

We are the champions! The West Ferris Trojans pose for their championship photo. Photo by Chris Dawson.

Story by Lucas Punkari

After losses in the last two NDA senior football championships, the West Ferris Trojans were able to take home the 2007 title with a 33-7 victory over the Widdifield Wildcats on Saturday afternoon at Widdifield.

Running back Dave Staniszewski was untouchable as he rushed his way to four touchdowns in the contest, putting his playoff total at seven. Following the victory Staniszewski attributed his success on the ground elsewhere.

“Our offensive line has been playing great and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be running as well I’ve been today, so I give all of my credit to them,” said the rugged Trojans running back.

Trojans head coach Larry Tougas was ecstatic for his team following the victory, especially the graduating players who have come up short the past two seasons.

“As coaches we’ve won a number of titles here over the last 20 years,” said Tougas.

“I just wanted to see these kids win one. A NDA championship is still a NDA championship, you savior it whenever you have a chance, but I just didn’t want to leave this field without those guys having that feeling of winning a championship.”

Despite the loss, Wildcats head coach Sean Mullan was proud of how his team played, especially with a late charge Widdifield made late in the fourth quarter.

“We had a little rally there in the second half, but they’re a good squad,” said Mullan.

“They gave us some trouble and we had difficulty moving the ball as a result. But you have to give them credit. They played well today.”

In the first quarter both teams were unable to move the ball leaving the game scoreless. On the first play of the second quarter, Trojans quarterback Tyson Brear found Dustin Anthony open on a 3rd and 15 play to gain 20 yards and the first down. From there Staniszweski scored from three yards out to give West Ferris a 7-0 lead.

On the next Wildcats drive, Pat Rideout was intercepted by the Trojans’ Dylan Dustrisac, who returned it 20 yard down the field. However, despite the good field position from the turnover, the offense would be unable to put more points on the board.

West Ferris would extend the lead late in the first half when Mike McCrudden found the endzone on a 30 yard reverse, putting the score at 14-0 going into halftime.

The Trojans opened up the third quarter with a six-and-a-half minute drive, ending with a third touchdown run to the outside from Staniszewski for his second score of the afternoon, and extending the Trojans lead to 21-0.

Staniszweski would find the end zone for the third time late in the third quarter, once again from three yards out. The point after attempt was blocked putting the score at 27-0.

In the fourth quarter the Wildcats were able to start making some noise. Following an Anthony fumble that resulted in a Trojans turnover, backup quarterback Tieler Gravelle - who replaced Rideout in the third quarter - found Mike Costello open down the sideline for a fifty yard touchdown reception. The convert was good putting the score at 27-7.

The Wildcats’ Blaine Leblond would recover another West Ferris fumble a couple of minutes later, however all the momentum turned back in favour of the Trojans as Cam Boake came up with an interception.

Staniszewski would seal it for the Trojans a few plays later as he tore down the field for a fifty yard touchdown, his fourth of the afternoon. The extra point attempt was once again blocked, but time had run out for the Wildcats as the Trojans would then run out the clock for the win.

With the victory the Trojans will travel to Sault Ste. Marie next weekend to face the St. Mary’s Knights in the NOSSA finals. The Knights - winner’s of the last two NOSSA championships - defeated Sudbury’s St. Benedict Bears 52-34 on Saturday afternoon in Sudbury to gain a berth into the finals.

“We’re just going to take it one day at a time,” Tougas said after the game.

“We’re going to savor this victory here today and we’ll get ready for St. Mary’s next week.”