The North Bay Bantam Bulldogs are hungry to take their already historic Ontario Football Summer League run to the next level with a win in the OSFL U14 championship game Sunday morning in Windsor.
Head coach Christa Morgan says, "If we are crowned champs, I am sure there will be tears of joy. If we don’t pull off the win there will be tears of sadness. Either way, we have worked hard all season, we have a great bunch of players and coaches and I am already overwhelmed with how proud I am due to how far they have come. We are truly a tight-knit little family, I consider them all my boys and girls."
The coaching staff is quietly confident about the team's chances versus the Waterloo Jr. Warriors as the Bulldogs vie for the OSFL U14 AA Dan Grossi Memorial Cup, especially if its formidable defence — ranked third through the regular season and the top unit in the U14 playoffs — can smother one last opponent.
The Bulldogs advanced in last weekend's semi-final as they triumphed 26-7 over the visiting Brantford Bisons and, as has been the case this season, the team enjoyed stellar play from its defence, with several of the squad's top dogs excelling by pulling double- or triple-duty to help secure the win. The Bulldogs' defence recorded five interceptions versus the Bisons, led by safety Evan Smetana, who was named the OSFL U14 defensive player of the week.
The defensive unit is stout with top players lining up at each position. Smetana and middle linebacker Gage Campaigne (twice named OSFL player of the week this season) set the tone and it's a trend defensive coordinator Eric Morgan expects to continue Sunday.
"We just have to play to our ability. We have stressed it all year — everyone must do their job, nothing more, nothing less. If we do that then I believe this team will come home as OSFL Bantam U14 champions."
He notes many of these players were on the team last year when they got knocked out in the semi-finals so making it this far has built more and more confidence in them. "Nothing is more dangerous than a team that believes in what they are doing and has the skill to back it up. This team has both confidence and skill."
The Jr. Warriors have a far deeper team than the Bulldogs and draw from a wider population base but this Bulldogs team has consistently risen to the occasion this season. Waterloo boasts 60 players on the roster and they run two separate offences with different personnel on each.
"We are all preparing to win this game, with how our coaching staff is putting together the game plan to the way these kids are approaching this game," defensive coordinator Morgan adds. "The players are practicing and getting ready with a chip on their shoulder. No one ever expects North Bay to make these games against the bigger markets.
"Our team, however, knows and believes that we belong there and there is not another team that is preparing like we are. Our opponents better be ready to leave it all on the field. This Bantam Bulldogs team is going to give everything we have and if Waterloo wants that championship they will have to fight for every yard and every point right down to the end."
Head coach Morgan has been navigating the logistics of getting dozens of players from North Bay to Windsor with enough rest to play in the championship game. Bulldogs officials can do little about the time slot the team has been assigned. There are multiple OSFL championship games at Windsor Alumni Stadium on Sunday, with some teams even travelling farther than the Bulldogs. Instead, the head coach is focused on guiding this group of players to the Bantam program's first league title.
"I am stressed and excited, lots of emotion going into this game," she says. "I am feeling extremely proud of this group of players and coaches, along with our support staff, such as trainers, water boys and photo crew. We came into this season with quite a young team and have managed to make the championship finals. This shows the hard work they have been putting in all season. I think the players are very focused which is tough with kids aged 12 to 14 making the long trip to Windsor.
"We need all of our players focused and ready to play. We have a game plan in place and if everyone does their part, we will hopefully be bringing home the championship banner!"
Often overlooked due to the dominance of the defence is the Bulldogs' dangerous offensive unit. Clinton Major, the team's co-offensive coordinator acknowledges the attention the defence has rightfully received but warns not to count out the offence, led by a strong line, quarterback Collin Smith, running back Nathan Boucher, and a solid receiving corps paced by Teo Nadeau.
"The defence has been the defining factor for the team — it is a formidable squad. The offence is looking to move the ball effectively, grind down the opponents, and score points to keep the pressure off the defence. Mentally, the players just need to focus on their training, their individual responsibilities and keep a positive attitude no matter what the situation."
Major says if his offensive players can work together, they will put points on the board.
"The key factor for offensive success will be for our players to do their individual jobs well while working as a cohesive unit. From blocking to catching, and running the correct routes. Trying to minimize turnovers and maintain momentum will keep the players optimistic and energized."
The coaching staff and players have been preparing for Sunday's big game with the same focus and attention to detail that has contributed to their season-long success. The Bulldogs did not face the Jr. Warriors this season.
"As a coaching staff, we break down and analyze the opponent looking for their key plays and players then work on turning their advantage off and leveraging the knowledge to create opportunities. In short look for the chink in their armour.
Defensive coordinator Morgan adds, "This is going to be our toughest test to date, but we are up to the task. We prepare well, we have a good game plan in place and the players will execute that plan and put an exclamation mark on being the number one defence in the league.
Major sees an opportunity for the team and the program with a favourable result on Sunday.
"It would be a huge boost for the entire organization. For the young team to come home as the champions it brings a legacy and legitimacy to the work and commitment of all the volunteers, executives, coaches, and players. The players have worked hard and put in long hours in practice, on the roads, and on the field; to have a title come home to a small city like North Bay feels like it would be a hero's journey fulfilled."
