A late comeback came short in Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) action last night.
In a Division 1 championship rematch, CFC#30 Citadel Phoenix hung on for a 20-17 victory over the Charles P Allen Cheetahs on Monday night at Bedford Hammonds Plains Turf.
The Phoenix remain undefeated with a 3-0 record while the Cheetahs are 2-1 on the season.
With two minutes remaining in the game, the Cheetahs defensive unit came up big against the Phoenix offence. However, the Cheetahs lost the opportunity to get the ball back because they received a penalty for roughing the kicker.
Cameron Valardo and Citadel Phoenix offence (Photo credit: Joe Chrvala)
Cameron Valardo connected with Marco Xidos for a 70 yard touchdown for the Phoenix. Moreover, Tyrique Dixon Bowden dashed downfield for a 57 yard major.
Jacob Morgan led the Phoenix defence with five tackles and an interception which he converted into a touchdown score.
Duncan Patterson completed 15 passes in 20 attempts for 250 yards for Cheetahs (Photo credit: Joe Chrvala)
As for the Cheetahs, Duncan Patterson completed 15 passes in 20 attempts for 250 yards. He found Tristan Hyde for a seven yard major and Adam Henneberry for a two point conversion.
Brian Gough intercepted a Valardo pass and ran it into the end zone for a touchdown as well as six tackles. Hyde registered eight tackles in the loss.
“As per every year Citadel is a very good, very well coached football team with great athletes and lots of depth,” assessed Cheetahs Head Coach Michael McPherson after the game. “We will need to eliminate some of the penalties and play a full quarters in future meetings.”
“Although we will see Citadel again in the regular season with the league as competitive as it is it will be important we focus on our weekly opponent and getting better every day.”
Citadel Phoenix double tag team on CPA Cheetahs player (Photo credit: Joe Chrvala)
On the other side, the Phoenix weren’t satisfied with their play. However, the team gave props to their opponents for providing the stage for a great game.
“That was a great high school football game,” commented Phoenix Offensive Coordinator Jon Dyer. “We did a terrible job executing on offense but we hung in there and made some key plays to secure the victory.”
“Our defense were caught off guard with a few things but overall played a great game and kept us in it. Hats off the CPA. They came out with a good game plan and executed well. A couple big plays in the game on both sides really made the difference in the end. They brought a lot of pressure and did some new things on offense that gave us trouble. We’ll be ready next time and I know our kids are looking forward to our next meeting. They’re a good football team. “
The Cheetahs will try to get back into the win column this upcoming Sunday as they travel to Truro to take on hosts Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars. Kickoff is 1:00PM. As for the Phoenix, the team will enjoy a bye week.
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In other league action, the Dr. John Hugh Gillis Royals lost a close battle against the West Kings Wolverines 9-6.
Jacob Bennett tallied the lone major for the Royals. However, the point extra attempt was blocked.
Bennett, Zach MacIntyre, and Bryden MacEachern all combined for 200 rushing yards. Additionally, MacEachern and Edward Cameron joined for 75 receiving yards. Pivot Keegan MacNeil completed four passes in nine attempts for the Royals.
On defence, Kyle Pitts, Luke Kell, Peter Storseth and Jay Boucher all registered tackles.
“We played a really good game but a couple of mistakes really cost us,” commented Royals Head Coach Nathan Cormier in his postgame comments. “We came out a little tentative on defense and it cost us a touchdown on their opening drive, after that we were able to shut them down pretty well.”
“Offensively, we had a good day, we were able to move the ball but we just had trouble finishing off drives and putting points on the board. Overall we were pleased with the effort we just have to make those final few adjustments to hopefully move into the win column.”
The Royals next game will be under Friday Night Lights as they host AvonView Avalanche. Game start is 7:00pm.
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