In a tremendous game in Sarnia, The GTA All-Stars defeated the Sarnia Imperials 29- 21 to remain the reigning-defending NFC Champions.
Offensive Player of the Game
GTA #5 Alex McFarland
Defensive Player of the Game
Sarnia #8 Josh Wright
In Sept 10th our NFC Champions will travel to Alberta to defend their National Championship.
After a tumultuous start and an exciting season the NFC is down to the final two teams: The regular season champions, The Sarnia Imperials will battle the reigning 2015 NFC Champions, The GTA All Stars. The “Red Army” with their high-octane offence will contend with the juggernaut GTA All Stars.
In Week 5 the GTA All-Stars routed the “Red Army” at their home field. The loss did not sit well and the Imperials rallied later in the season and defeated the All-Stars in week 8 action. Both teams have a win under their belt. Both teams are hungry for the NFC title and their successful journey through the post season sets up a compelling rubber-match for the NFC Championship.
This championship match reveals a number of stories. First, the quarterbacks Pat Wright (Sarnia) squaring up against “Touchdown” Tommy Denison (GTA). Pat Wright in the prime of his NFC career against the legend in Denison. Both Tommy and Pat are the offensive coordinators calling the plays for their teams and thus taking that part of the game on their shoulders. On the defensive side of the ball, you have two smashmouth high-calibre squads ready to take a stand to via for the title. The Imperials want to contain the pass and pressure Denison to force mistakes. The All-Stars need to grind the Imperial offense to a halt and deny them any momentum if they hope to put the “Red Army” in retreat. If you want to talk offense you are looking at the two best in the league. The GTA pass game is second to none, coupled that with a pounding run game. The Imperials match the GTA’s offence with a high-octane aerial attack and a grinding ground game. These two teams are shadowy reflection of each other and you can expect some great NFC Football.
Get ready for the 2016 NFC Championship Game, Saturday, August 20th, 2016 at Norm Perry in Sarnia.
Kickoff time is 4pm.
Blunt Talk Pod-Cast with Gino Arcaro regarding the NFC Championship
Episode 1: Championship rings are not handed out as consolation prizes. Guest Pat Wright, quarterback of the Sarnia Imperials, explains insights into the preparation required for a championship game.
Read more at http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/#uCcpztEklCg8fFrs.99
Episode 2: Championship rings are not congeniality awards. You have to spill your guts for them. Guest Adam Hart, defensive tackle with the Sarnia Imperials, explains insights into the preparation for a championship game
Episode 3: Championship rings are not handed out like participation ribbons. You have to fight like hell for them. Guest Tom Denison, quarterback of the GTA All-Stars, explains insights into the preparation for a championship game
Episode 5: Championship rings are not cheap. They cost a fortune. Guest Gord Goddard, NFC Executive, and owner of the Sudbury Spartans, gives his prediction for the Northern Football Conference championship game.
Saturday. August 6th 2016 the Tri-City Outlaws defeated the Steel City Patriots by a score of 29 – 18 and advanced to the NFC semi-finals. The Outlaws will travel to Sarnia next to Saturday, August the 13th to play the division leading Sarnia Imperials. The Outlaws had to come behind with the Patriots scoring first on a touchdown late in the first quarter.
With a 21-7 lead nearing the end of the first half the Outlaws seemed to be in complete control but a late 2nd quarter TD by the Patriots made for an exciting second half. A solid running game allowed the Outlaws to use up the clock in the second half but the outcome was in doubt up to the final minute.
Running back Josh Reason led the offence with 130 yards on 30 carries scoring 3 touchdowns on the night earning a playoff – player of the game award.
The Patriots quarterback Matt Beardwood earned his team’s player of the game; who finished the game with a respectable 21 completions in 35 pass attempts for 302 yards and 2 TDs
Other Tri-City players made contributions to the victory: Kris Kusch scored the other touchdown on a 1 yard plunge. Dan Daigle completed 10 of 15 passes for 188 yards. Five receivers caught passes: Josh Reason, Jesse Hill, Max Knight, Brian Lane, and Ryan Watt-Dennis. Jose Patino kicked 3 successful conversions; Kris Kusch ran for a 2-point conversion.
Kris Kusch led the defense with 8 tackles, Jesse Collins and Marc Fernandes both made 4 tackles. The Outlaws picked off 4 Steel City passes – four players had one interception each: Jesse Collins, Shayden Smith, Jake Egers, and Cody Quinney
Sault @ GTA
The defending National Champs [GTA All Stars] should steamroll thru this game. The Sault will play hard but the short bench will be too much for them. The only question for GTA is whether Tommy plays or watches from the sideline. I think he plays this one.…
Prediction:
GTA wins 42-3
Oakville @ Sarnia
The Longhorns have had a few bye weeks to end the season. But with AJ gone to the CFL – they don’t stand much of a chance this week. Sarnia looked sharp on offense, defense and special teams last week. They are ready for a championship run.
Prediction:
Sarnia wins 63-0
Hamilton @ Tri City
The Outlaws are playing hard nosed football and have gotten better every week. The Patriots have been up and down all year. I’m going with the Outlaws in this one.
Prediction
Tri City wins 28-17
Sudbury @ Ottawa
Haven’t heard much from the Invaders since they were beaten week 9 by the All Stars. The Spartans choked badly against Sarnia week 10 and looked horrible on both sides of the ball.
This is going to be a rebound battle for both teams. The home side has the advantage and should squeak out the win.
Prediction:
Ottawa wins 17-14
Congratulation to the GTA All Stars for bringing home the CMFL Championship to the NFC.
It was close as the G.T.A. All Stars scored with 19 seconds remaining to keep the Sid Forster Memorial Trophy in N.F.C. as they edged the Calgary Gators 39-38 in Hamilton earlier this evening. All Stars trailed 24-6 after the opening quarter, 31-21 at the half and 38-33 entering the final quarter.
Jahmeek Murray and Loxley Prince of the All Stars earned Offensive and Defensive Player of the Game nods while Quincy Van De Cruize of the Gators was the Special Teams Player of the Game.
