The SDSS Royals ready to face off in their opening game against the St. Mary's Mustangs September 19.
Hub Staff
The Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) Royals took to their home field September 19 for their opening game as they faced Owen Sound's St. Mary's Mustangs, Bluewater Athletic Association's (BAA) Senior Boys Football champions for the last five years.
With 16 team members new to the sport this season, the Royals showed that they mean business, losing by one point for a final score of 7-6.
Head Coach Joey Wentworth said he was proud and very impressed with his players. “Our defence was truly amazing,” said Wentworth. “For us to dominate what's supposed to be the best team in the league on a defensive standpoint, that feels really good.”
With the Royals leading 6-0 until the last two minutes of the game with two field goals from Spanish exchange student Lucas Ramallo, Wentworth said he was pleased. “It's my fifth year coaching and that was the first year I really could look at that game and go, 'We've got a shot at this.'"
Wentworth said the team has battled through a few tough years and has been practising and working hard for the last six weeks. “We're starting to see the skill come back and we're starting to see the drive and enthusiasm,” the Head Coach said.
As well as Ramallo's field goals the game saw a lot of positive play from the Royals from interceptions by Brady Moulton and Flynn Colwell-Castles to Lewis Hendry executing five catches for 110 yards and Des Imeson making an impact on the game with numerous runs.
“We lost the game but at the end of the day I don't recall a game against [St. Mary's] since I've been the head coach of this program where we've been within 30 points of them, let alone them winning the game with only two minutes left,” said Wentworth. “We have a few little things to tweak and as a team just need to put the pieces together on offence and put up more points.”
The SDSS Royals travel to Flesherton this week to face the Grey Highlands Lions September 26. Their next home game will also see them face the Lions on October 10 starting at 3 p.m.
Royals Head Coach Joey Wentworth gave a last minute talk to his team before the start of the September 19 game against the St. Mary's Mustangs, BAA Senior Boys Football champions for the last five years.
Lewis Hendry dodges a Mustangs player as he gains more yards for the Royals.
Nick Scott throws the ball upfield in the Royals opening game against the St. Mary's Mustangs September 19.
The accurate kicking foot of Spanish exchange student Lucas Ramallo saw him score two field goals for the Royals.
Jack Pilon powers his way through a couple of Mustangs.
With St. Mary's players surrounding him, Mike Alison tries to force a few extra yards.
Royals' Quinn Fowler makes sure that the St. Mary's player goes no further.
Flynn Colwell-Castles tries to weave through the opposition.
The Royals close in to bring down the Mustangs player.
