On a hot Sunday afternoon, the Toronto JV Junior Argonauts started the season with a decisive win over the Oakville Titans, 22-7.
The Argos got off to a slow start allowing the Titans to have possession for the first eight minutes of the game.
However, once the Argos got the ball QB Treyion Charles ran for a huge gain to get momentum back on the side of the Argos. Resembling a very young Michael Vick, Charles ran the ball several more times, including a 4[SUP]th[/SUP] down conversion and a TD. Charles was having a great game until near the end of the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] quarter when, after another failed 4[SUP]th[/SUP] down conversion try, got injured and limped off the field.
QB Treyion Charles deep in Titans Zone (left) QB Christian Batista throws completion before tackle (Photos by Hannah McGregor)
His chances of returning this season are extremely low. Coach Onorati says that “the game plan is going to have to change now”.
The game plan Onorati was referring to was the extremely aggressive style that the Jr. Argos played with the entire first half. This aggressive style included running the ball on 4[SUP]th[/SUP] down, going for two point conversions opposed to PATs, and allowing the QB to play quarterback keeper on a number of occasions.
“We were going to run a very aggressive offensive game executed by the talents of Treyion Charles, but now we need to go in a different direction”.
After the injury to Charles, QB no. 9 Christian Batista stepped up to the challenge and brought the Jr. Argos back from a 7-6 deficit. “Batista is a great quarterback. He is technically sound and good at reading the defense”, says Onorati. He was the starter for St. Michaels College in the fall, and has the ability to lead the team this summer.
Batista was able to complete a couple of passes of big gains, and help ensure a victory. He was supported by wide receiver #88 Matt Crocker and running back no. 24 Mark Del-Fatti, who both made big plays helping lead the Jr. Argos offense. Other key contributors included no. 11 Ray Smith, no. 51 Gord Brown and no. 52 Dante Dale.
No. 51 Gord Brown avoids traffic (left) No. 24 Mark Del-Fatti runs for big gain (Photos By Hannah McGregor)
No. 88 Matt Crocker dives to make the catch(left) No. 11 Ray Smith after the play (Photos by Hannah McGregor)
On the defensive side, defensive end no. 50 Myles Hunter had a great game with at least two sacks, and forced the Oakville QB to throw the ball away. It was clear that the Oakville could not handle his speed and skill as he ripped through the offensive line. During the fall, Hunter plays for Northern High School and the Jr. Argos are “lucky to have such a talented player” on their team this summer.
Defensive end No. 50 Myles Hunter fights his way to the Titans QB (Photos by Hannah McGregor)
The game itself was very physical with undisciplined penalties occurring for both teams. By the end of the game the Titans buried their chances of a comeback with a huge unsportsmanlike penalty bringing the ball from mid-field back to inside their own ten yard line. “The first game of the year is always physical it is to be expected” says Onorati.
The Jr. Argos are preparing for their next game against Sudbury, who just came off a tough loss. But Onorati refuses to “underestimate” their next opponent. With momentum on their side, the Jr. Argos hope to develop a winning streak continuing this Sunday at 2P.M. at St. Michael’s Field.
No. 28 Isaah Hibbard breaks through a tackle and three other defenders for a TD (Photos by Hannah McGregor)
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