Extra rest, some key coaching adjustments, and high-level performances by their star players were the magic formula as the 2-2 Algonquin Barons upset the 3-1 West Ferris Trojans 26-2 at Mike O'Shea Field in the first of two NDA junior football semifinals this week.
Riley Chapeski was a steady hand behind a solid Barons offensive line that gave the quarterback time to connect on quick outs to the flats and some select deep shots that resulted in chunk yardage and scoring plays. Despite a blustery wind, Lucas Pannell and Evan Smetana each scored long receiving touchdowns and Loic Ryan helped bleed the clock in the late going with punishing running on the way to two rushing touchdowns.
The first quarter was a battle of field position. While the Barons threatened but could not score, they did keep West Ferris pinned deep in its own end. Gage Campaigne punted three times in the opening quarter alone. Campaigne, who also plays running back and stars at middle linebacker for the Trojans made the biggest play of the first 12 minutes, with an interception of Chapeski, one of the quarterback's few mistakes on the day.
The Barons opened the scoring on the first play of the second quarter as Chapeski connected on a 45-yard catch-and-run to Pannell. The Barons missed the conversion and the score was 6-0.
Evan Smetana, who also plays shutdown defence and returns kicks for the Barons then put on a show at wide receiver for Algonquin, making several highlight reel grabs, culminating in a diving touchdown catch. After a Barons two-point conversion, the score was 14-0.
The Trojans had their best scoring chance late in the first half but a fumble at the goal line forced by Cam Smetana saw Algonquin take over inside its two-yard line. With the clock winding down on the half, the Barons attempted to move the ball away from the goal line but Campaigne broke through the line with 25 seconds left and tackled the ball carrier in the end zone for a safety, the only points West Ferris would score.
Halfway through the third quarter, the Trojans had a fourth-down stop, crucial to their chances of coming back but could not get anything going on offence due to ball security issues and a stout Barons defence.
In the fourth quarter, a fake punt by Pannell took the wind out of the Trojans' sails. Ryan took over and slammed his way up the middle, sending defenders flying and running out the clock. He scored two rushing touchdowns in the final seven minutes to put the game out of reach.
Algonquin head coach Ryan Desbiens agreed the team that took the field on Wednesday was a much-improved squad from the one the Trojans ran over in the regular season. The Barons await the winner of the other semifinal between the Franco-Cité Patriotes and St. Joseph–Scollard Hall Bears, to be played Friday, Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m. on Cundari Field. The junior final is set for Friday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m., site to be determined.
The NDA senior football final will be played this Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. on Mike O'Shea Field, with Desbiens' senior Barons hosting the upstart West Ferris Trojans.
