Crusaders blank Rams in home opener

   CCH explodes in the second quarter with a trio of touchdowns, during 35-0 win. 

      Friday, September 22, 2017

By Rob J. Ross

ST. THOMAS - When taking on one of the premier high school football programs in Ontario, a team needs to step on to the field with a tank of gas, to last the entire game.

The London CCH Crusaders took advantage of an under-manned St. Joseph's Rams squad, with a 35-0 victory, in their London District senior boys' football season opener, at St. Joe's high school.

Scoreless after one quarter, the Crusaders jumped on a fading Rams' team, with three touchdowns before half-time.

"It was 0-0 after a quarter, so that’s our building point," Rams' head coach Eric Ursic said. "While we had the gas, we fought them well. Our conditioning, our numbers hurt us. We have only 30 guys dressed, so that makes it difficult. Some of those dressed bodies have never played football before. They got thrown into the lion's den, going up against one of the best teams in the province.

"Our offensive line was playing defensive line as well and they didn't have the energy with this heat."

Mathhew Mcgillivray opened the scoring on a 28-yard pass play, to start the second quarter. The major was set up thanks to a 50-yard gain, by Cam Guest, four plays earlier.

Kicker Brian Garrity converted two of the three majors, hitting the uprights on the third one. CCH picked up a point on a rouge, kicking the ball through the Rams' end zone.

Dropped balls and miscommunication on plays, stalled the Rams' offence.

"Against a team like (CCH), we have to be perfect and we certainly weren't that today. If we catch those balls and get a couple first downs, that's how we can beat a team," Ursic said. "We want to grow from this. We'll get better. We're expecting a lot from a small team, but there’s no quit in us.

"A lot more experience against a really good team. We’ll spend time with video and learn from it. If you’re not winning, you have to be learning."

Mcgillivray, in the third quarter, and Tyson Vidinha, in the fourth quarter, also scored touchdowns for CCH.

St. Joe's faces London St. Andre Bessette, September 28, at TD Stadium (11 a.m.). The Rams host London John Paul II, October 6, at 8 p.m.

In the junior tilt, CCH beat St. Joe’s, by the same 35-0 score.