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Braves Take First Game of the Season
Sunday, August 12, 2012-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hamilton Hurricanes-
The 2012 Ontario Football Conference season officially kicked off on Saturday, August 11th with the Hamilton Hurricanes playing host to their Skyway Rivals, the Burlington Braves. During the pre-game events, the Hurricanes held a moment of silence for Zack Duguay, who passed away unexpectedly last week. Zack’s family was in attendance for the game and after the playing of O’ Canada the Braves organization showed some true class when two of the Braves players came over to the stands and gave Zack’s father, Brian, a hug and shook his hand. They also presented him with a game ball that was signed by the players and the coaching staff of the Burlington Braves Football Club.
The game started off with both teams feeling each other out and looking for an opportunity to capitalize on the other’s mistakes. For most of the first quarter, the game was played around mid-field with both teams’ defences shutting down each other’s offensive attacks. The Hurricanes’ defence, led by Matt Brady, Anthony ‘Dingo’ Dinguana, Adam Grilj, and Tyler Corbett was able to shut down any running game that the Braves had planned for the game.
Burlington was able to open the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Mack Blewett on third down with 4:50 left to play in the first quarter. The scoring continued for the Braves in the second quarter with a chip-shot field goal and touchdowns coming from running back Alex McFarlane and Jason Diston on a fumble recovery.
The Hurricanes were able to get on the board with a 20-yard rushing touchdown by Ryan Kotar with under a minute to go in the half.
Both teams came out of halftime with one thing on their minds - put as many points on the board as they can. The fourth quarter is where things really started to open up. Big plays were happening on both sides of the ball. With the Braves leading by a score of 38-19 midway through the fourth quarter, Hurricanes’ quarterback Kyle Johnston connected with newcomer wide receiver, Daniel Parr, for a 61-yard touchdown to make the score 38-25. The Braves were able to answer right back with a 43-yard touchdown catch and run by Diston to pull ahead 45-25.
The Hurricanes were able to add two more touchdowns through the air on an 18-yard catch by wide receiver Cory Raposo and a 60-yard bomb from Johnston to Ritchie with 29-seconds left in the game. The final score (45-38) saw the Braves take the first of two meetings between the two clubs this season.
The Hamilton Hurricanes will look to even their season record when they host the visiting Ottawa Sooners on Saturday, August 18th. Kickoff will be at 4pm at Ivor Wynne Stadium.
For more Information, please contact the Hamilton Hurricanes’ Media Coordinator, Nick Pelletier (npelletier@the-canes.com)
