Kings of the lair

OVFL: Lions defeat Myers Riders to win JV championship title.

The JV Cambridge Lions defeated the Myers Riders 58-13 to win the OVFL JV championship title.

“It was just a big day, an all around team effort,” said Head Coach Gary Skalos of the victory.

In essence, the Lions achieved the goal they set at the beginning of the season by winning the championship.

In the game, the Lions got off to an explosive offensive start to lead 31-6 at halftime.

Running back Alex Salytchev saved his best for the championship game as he had 209 rushing yards on 15 carries (average of 13.9 yards per carry) and scored four touchdowns.

Quarterback Brayden Hill led the offense with precision and efficiency. He had six completions in eight attempts for 155 passing yards and two touchdowns.

“Hill played great, you couldn’t ask fore more” said Skalos.

Receiver George Monaghan IV caught three passes for 101 receiving yards and scored a major while Kaden Jespersen amassed 50 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Running back Brandon Metz, had 96 rushing yards on 10 carries, while fullback Issac Andrade also scored for the Lions.

“Our offensive line was a force,” said Skalos.

As for the Lions defense, safety Mitch Weiler with a team leading 14 combined tackles, and 3 batted balls.

“Weiler had a great day defensively he led the way back there,” said Skalos.

Defensive linemen Clayton Collison had a sack and eight  combined tackles while fellow defensive back Ben Cross caught an interception.

On special teams,  kicker Nathan Mclean had 470 yards (average of 63 yards per kick), which included a 37 yard punt.  Additonally, he was successful on seven conversion attempts and booted a 14 yard field goal.

This marks the first time in franchise history for the JV Lions to take home a championship. However, the team did face some bumps along the way as they suffered their only loss of the regular season and year to the Essex Ravens in Week 5.

“Essex, changed out football team that loss was a big deal it had us make adjustments,” elaborated Skalos.

This may have been the turning point in their season;  however, the reason for success was the leadership that came from the veterans on the team.

“The group of guys that make us great was the veterans,” said Skalos.  “They embraced and shined in the tough games and even embraced the spotlight.”

I am not sure we could do it if they weren’t as experienced as they are.”

In the end, the championship is the icing on the cake to a phenomenal 2013 campaign for the JV Lions.

“A great exclamation point to a fantastic year” said Skalos. “We can sit back and enjoy the fruits of labors then begin again for next year, especially with all the staff returning.”