OVFL: The Hamilton Ironmen set the tone early and often against the Etobicoke Eagles this weekend in their season opener.
Ultimately. the Ironmen showed the Etobicoke Eagles that they were playing for keeps. The Eagles were put on alert from the beginning as the Ironmen opened the game with an onside kick and had trouble responding to the Ironmen attack throughout the game. The Hamilton Ironmen left Etobicoke with a 39-0 shutout victory over the Eagles in Week 1 action.
The Eagles recovered the opening onside kick and went three and out as the Ironmen defense stood strong against the feisty opening drive offense of the Eagles. The opening drive was highlighted by Ironmen defensive lineman Charlie Taggart, who collected his first sack of the season with a big sack on the Eagles quarterback. Taggart wasn’t done there as his relentless pressure kept the Eagles offensive line on their heels, leading the way for the Ironmen with three sacks.
The Ironmen defense were ready for battle as they brought constant pressure to the Eagles offense, led by a defensive unit that delivered thunderous hits all game that led to five turnovers for the day.
“The players we have are a real physical group and they showed it today,” said Ironmen Head Coach Joe Wade.
Leading the way for turnovers was defensive back Jordan Samek who took an interception 70 yards to the house that capped off the scoring for the Ironmen. Samek followed that interception with a fumble recovery on the following drive. Turnovers were also forced by defensive backs Jacob Lee and Dezain Brooks and linebacker Brock Gurica who all added interceptions.
Overall, the Ironmen defense looked strong and were led by captains Taggart and Levi Jamieson, who led the defense in the shutout victory. Their play made it easier for the Ironmen offense to focus their attention on putting points on the board as they began each drive with good field position.
The Offense was led by quarterback Jake Marquette who controlled the offense well in the season opener. Torching the Eagles defense through the air as well as on his feet, Marquette finished the game with two passing touchdowns with one interception. His highlights included a 60 yard catch and run when he found a streaking Joey Ricottone down the sideline for the major. Marquette used his agility and instincts to keep plays alive all game, often scrambling for long gains in the process that led to touchdowns for the Ironmen.
Chipping in on offense for the Ironmen was Austin Kit who caught three passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. The ground attack was led by Ewan Cameron, who added two touchdowns for the Ironmen, highlighted by a 32 yard rumble in the third quarter for the score.
Credit goes out to the Ironmen offensive line who allowed the running game to be effective as well as giving the quarterback the time and space he needed to make all the necessary throws.
The Hamilton Ironmen kicked off the season with a victory in dominating fashion. With few hiccups in their first game, the Ironmen will look to correct those mistakes as there will always be room for improvement.
“We executed in all three phases of the game but there are also things to clean up,” a satisfied Coach Wade said after collecting his first win as Ironmen head coach.
With some fine tuning in place the Ironmen will enjoy this victory for a short period and get right back to work as they prepare to host the Mississauga Warriors in the Home Opener. Ironmen home opener takes place June 6th at McMaster’s Ron Joyce Stadium; kickoff is scheduled for 4pm.
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