Flames freeze Rams out of the final

       STA wins the District senior football semi-final against St. Joe's, 15-8 

             Friday, November 10, 2017

By Rob J. Ross

LONDON, ON. - On a field that resembled more a snow covered pasture than artificial turf, the St. Joseph's Rams couldn't find the desired traction.

A punt return for a touchdown, two minutes in to the second half proved the difference, as the London St. Thomas Aquinas Flames edged the Rams, 15-7, in a District senior football semi-final, at TD Stadium.

Both teams are to play on a poor surface that was not clear of snow, not even to clearly see the yard line and sidelines.

STA led 8-0 at half-time, on a safety and touchdown.

St. Joe's opened the second half with the ball, but went three and out and punted. The Flames burned the Rams taking the ball to the end zone, for a 15-0 lead.

Following a blocked punt, the Rams cut in to the deficit, scoring a TD and adding a two-point convert, both by Willy Mboko.

"Defensively we were outstanding. Offensively, we had moments of real good execution and then we couldn't finish out our drives when we needed too," Rams' head coach Eric Ursic said.

Twice in the fourth quarter, the Rams had the ball less than 10 yards from the Flames' end zone, but failed to score. The Rams had some tough luck on the first trip to the red zone, when Alex Craig's pass was interrupted on its way to his receiver.

"The first one was unfortunate as it hit the upright. That was going to be a touchdown. He was clearly open. The ball just nicked the upright and nose dived," said Ursic. "The second time (in the red zone) the ball just slipped out of his hands on the pass."

Field conditions and the temperature were not favourable to anyone.

"It was cold and the footing was unusual. It was difficult sledding for both teams," Ursic said.

The Rams were without starting receiver Mykal Donald, away due to a death in the family.

"He certainly provides us with deep threats. He gives us that speed off of the end," said Ursic, on what Donald brings to the team.

St. Joe's went 2-4 during the regular season, before upsetting the 4-2 St. Andre Bessette Bulldogs, in a quarter-final.

Injuries plagued the Rams throughout the season, including a few starting linemen among the casualties and QB Craig, who missed much of the season after being hurt in the Rams second game.

"We were short-staffed this year. A lot of people learned a lot this year," said Ursic. "I'm very proud of what we accomplished considering at the end we only had about 24 players dressed."