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Brady, Dingo, Powell Cause Headaches for Bears QB
Sunday, August 26, 2012-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hamilton Hurricanes-
Pressure on the Brampton Bears’ quarterback was the key to disrupting the visiting teams’ offensive scheme and it was the usual suspects for the Hurricanes’ ‘D’ giving the Bears headaches.
Matt Brady, Anthony Dinguana, and Jordan Powell proved once again Saturday afternoon why the Hamilton Hurricanes’ defence has been number one in the OFC over the past two seasons. The defensive line mates continued getting to the quarterback and shutting down the running plays before they could develop.
There were a few meetings at the quarterback during the afternoon, which resulted in making the Bears’ pivot second-guess his attack and not being ready to throw the ball when his receivers were open.
The front four of the Hurricanes defense do not deserve all of the accolades though.
The Hurricanes linebackers and secondary were magnificent as well and helped lead the hometown team to the victory. Adam Grilj had another great game when he was able to help shut down the running game and took away any passing routes over the middle. Jacob Barry had an outstanding game when he was able to pick off the Brampton QB twice on deep attempts. Barry was ‘Johnny-on-the-spot when one pass was tipped and landed in Barry’s hands and he was able to return it deep inside the Bears’ territory.
When asked what his thoughts were of the defensive line during Saturday’s contest, first year Offensive Line Coach Danny Brown said, “We have so much talent and depth on the defensive line this year.”
“No matter what combination of guys we put on the defensive line, we know they will do the job”, Brown continued.
Brown is correct with his statement as one can see that the group of men up front, whatever combination it is, is able to get in the backfield and disrupt the timing of the play or hit the quarterback and keep reminding him that they will not go away.
The other notable defensive linemen who round out this dominant group are, Melvin Baughan, Tyler Corbett, and Steve Wilkieson.
The defense was able to do some great thing this past Saturday and played to the tune of the old adage, ‘bend but don’t break’, which allowed the Hurricanes’ offense to set up and start drives in very good field position. The offence was able to produce great drives and put up some huge numbers as the game progressed.
Running Backs Ryan Kotar and Jurrell Gaddishaw combined for an effective one-two punch that helped to keep drives moving and continued bleeding the clock to minimize the amount of time that the Brampton squad would have to answer back. Ryan Kotar, 115 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns, continued to dominate opposing defenses by keeping his feet moving and gaining the extra yards after contact. Gaddishaw showed glimpses of brilliance in his running game by taking on Linebackers and not shying away from a hit and adding 88 yards on eight carries with one touchdown to an already impressive offence. Both backs refused to go down after initial contact, which shortened the playing field for Kyle Johnston and company.
Kyle Johnston has been great so far this season at the helm of the Hurricanes’ offence. With Johnston moving to the quarterback position this year from being a wide receiver in 2011 he brings integral knowledge to the quarterback position of how to read the plays and find his receivers down field. Johnston had a career day against the Bears completing 23 of his 34 pass attempts for 322 yards and 3 touchdowns. One can argue that he has found two favourite receivers this season, both newcomers, in Anthony Pizzuti and Daniel Parr. These two athletes have really proven themselves to the Hurricanes’ coaching staff and management through their exceptional play over the past three weeks. Pizzuti and Parr have made highlight reel catches in double and triple coverage and are able to get into the open spaces and make defenders miss on tackles. These guys are not afraid to go up for the ball and help out their quarterback.
Saturdays’ win was a great one that saw the Hamilton Hurricanes play like they have in the past two seasons and they have proven once again that they belong on top in the Ontario Football Conference.
The Hamilton Hurricanes will be on the road Friday, August 31st for the first time this season as they visit the second-year team, Twin Cities Predators. Kickoff will be at 7:30pm at Knight-Newbrough Field on the Campus of Sir Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo.
For more Information, please contact the Hamilton Hurricanes’ Media Coordinator, Nick Pelletier (npelletier@the-canes.com)
