Calgary Midget (CAMFA): Finals previews & predictions (Division 1 & 2)

CAMFA PLAYOFFS – Round 3 – Finals
Div 1
HILLTOPPERS – vs – MAVERICKS

Following an exceptional CAMFA season and playoff, it all comes down to a battle between the top two teams in the league. The Toppers and Mavs are set to face each other for the second time this year. In their first meeting the Toppers came out on top after Tyler Chow ran all over the Mavs for 2 TDs and their front seven where able to keep the Mavs potent offense in check.

The Toppers got to the final after defeating the Cowboys in what was a tightly played game for the first half. After driving the field off the second half kickoff the Hilltoppers never looked back. The Mavericks enter the final following a drubbing of the Colts which saw the Mavs both run and pass the ball exceptionally well while the defense was dominant.
The HIlltoppers enter the final with both the top rated offense and defense. Offensively, they will be looking to QB Colby Brewster to set the tone with playmakers Tyler Chow leading the run game and Spencer Janke providing their biggest threat through the air. On defense the Toppers rely heavily on their potent D line attack lead by Josh Thomson and Jack McEwan. According to Colby Brewster “the Mavs are a solid team all around with not many weaknesses, we need to contain their offense and be able to move the ball passing and running and have a complete game in all three phases”. Spencer Janke believes the final is “going to be a game no one can take for granted, the team with the least mistakes will win. It’s going to be good smash mouth football game”. Lastly, Tyler Chow states that the “Toppers have always been known for our speed and physicality. If we play our game and stick to the game plan, things are looking positive”.
The Mavericks enter the final with the third rated offensive attack and the second rated defense. The Mavs bolster multiple weapons on offense lead by Boston Rowe, AJ Statz and young phenom Colton Hunchak. On defense the unit runs through Tyson Lee and an exceptional secondary with Aaron Statz, Cody Abrams and Nick Statz. Colton Hunchak feels that one of the keys to success is that the Mavs “have to come out with confidence and come out hard in the first half”. Tyson Lee states that “the Toppers have a great run game, which we will have to stop right away, starting the game with great enthusiasm. Having a good start by all our players will help us on defense. Offensively we need to get them on their heels from the beginning. They have an excellent squad on defense so we will have to get something going from the beginning of the game”. AJ Statz believes the Mavs will win “cause we’re too motivated. That’s all there is to it”.

Prediction: Hilltoppers 24-21

Div 2
BULLDOGS – vs – FIRE
The Div 2 final includes the defending CAMFA Champions who face off against the newest addition to the league. The Bulldogs and Fire face off for the first time in their history in what is an intriguing match up. Both teams come in to the final with strong offenses and defenses hungry to prove their worth.
The Bulldogs got to the final after a dominating performance against the Broncos where they ran and passed the ball exceptionally well posting 48 points. The Fire come into the final following an exciting game against the Wildcats where they answered the bell and held off the Cats by consistently scoring down the stretch and coming up with big plays on special teams and defense.
The Bulldogs enter the final with a potent rushing attack lead by Ben Lane. Although inconsistent at times, the Dogs passing attack is also dangerous lead by Liam McCorquodale, Brad Taubert and Brady Hornung. On defense, the Bulldogs possess an excellent secondary with Rob Barnett and Andrew Britton while Liam Asuchak and Ian Ojeks are the top players in the front seven. Andrew Britton says that the Bulldogs “have a chip on our shoulders and we need to prove that we are better then we have shown. This is our opportunity to show we belong in div 1”. Ben Lane feels that “the Fire has had an intensity the whole season that we will have to match if we want to win this game. Our defense has been doing their job all season so we need to make sure that the offense can put points up on the board through out the whole game”. Rob Barnett shares that sentiment however states that “individually, the fire are solid. They are one of the few teams that has an entire 12 on the offense that can hold their own, they dont have a weak link. Tyler Ledwos seems to stick out the most, but i know we have a couple players that can shut him down. All and all, this has the feel of a game where the playbooks and gameplans get thrown out the window, and it comes down to sweat blood and tears. We know that they want to win especially with this being their first year in the league. Of coarse we are coming out hard too, being defending champions and having as many guys as we do playing their last game in gold, we are going to have one hell of a fight”.
The Fire enter the final with a perfect record against the worst four teams in the league but have still yet to win a game against a winning team. To win in the final that will have to change. Offensively the Fire boast some excellent weapons lead by Tyler Ledwos, Myles Corsiatto and Scott Pearson. Defensively, the Fire’s strength rests in their front seven where Bryce Fisher and Sam Pharand lead the unit. Matt Russell says that “the bulldogs are a very fast, aggressive, and well coached team. To overcome this we need to execute well on offense and be calm and focused throughout all four quarters”. Myles Corsiatto states that “if we can execute our game plan on offense and avoid turnovers the way we did last week, i know we can win this game. Our defense is good enough that they can make even a small lead feel big”.
Prediction: Bulldogs 32-28