Express host Super Sunday

May 21, 2014 · 0 Comments

The TNT Express had a near perfect day for football during its 2014 season Super Sunday home opener at Mel Mitchell fields in Beeton.

There was some afternoon rain but the players shook that off as they hosted four teams from around Ontario.

Atom Division

The Atom division was the first team on the gridiron hosting the Markham Raiders with a 9:30 am kick-off. The Express found themselves trailing 18–13 at the half but put up a strong offence with #2 Brison Atherley scoring the first Express touchdown. Edwin Haley got the extra point on the conversion. Haley again lit up the scoreboard with a TD late in the half. The Raiders kept up the pressure in the second half, pressing to the one yard line and they scored on the next play. Atherley got his second goal of the game in the third quarter when he made a huge run down the sidelines to score. The Markham squad proved difficult to stop and they managed to notch two more by the end of the game, and the Express had to settle for a 38-19 loss. The Atoms will have two road games against the Metro Toronto Wildcats and the Orangeville Outlaws before returning to Mel Mitchell field on June 8, to face the Brampton Bulldogs. That game is scheduled for an 11:30 a.m. start.

Tyke Division

The mighty Tykes slotted in to the second game of the day when they kicked off against the Steel City Steelers with an 11 a.m. start. The visitors were first on the board scoring early in the first quarter. TNT’s Joshua Tomaszewski lit up the board for the Express when he took the snap and ran for 60 yards in a while sprint down the sidelines to score. After a second Hamilton TD, the Express responded with a nice kick return by Austin Radzio. Tomaszewski got his second touchdown with another long run to give the Express 12 on the scoreboard. The Express had a good performance in the second half with Christian Gallant, Dominic Plaunt, Jakob Renic, and Sayer Smith figuring in some good action. Angelo Bonsi, Carter Black, and Nolan Nicklasson, played a good defensive game. Tomaszewski scored his third touchdown of the game in the last play of the game when the Express charged down the field and landed on the one yard line to set things up. The final TD ended the game and the teams left with an 18-18 tie game. The Tykes will be in Etobicoke on May 25, to face the Eagles. The return to their home field at Mel Mitchell on Sunday, June 8, to host the Toronto Jets.

Peewee Division

The Peewee division hosted the Scarborough Thunder for game three of the day. The Express played a solid game but just couldn’t break through the Scarborough line to score. On defence, Corbin Deblois, Brayden Hiltz, Scott Barnett, Skyler Hawkins, Aaron McLeod-Smith, Ethan Mahon, and Dylan Mosquera, had good contributions in stopping the Thunder from advancing. Offensively the squad had some solid gains on runs from Wylie Birkett Nathan Monserrate, and Oliver Rapin, but despite making ground, they couldn’t break through the Scarborough defence to score. The Peewees had to settle for a 25–0 loss in their first game of the season. The Peewees will return to Mel Mitchell field on Sunday, May 25, to face the Toronto Jets. The kick-off is scheduled for 9:30 am. Junior Varsity Division The JV’s played the last game of the day. The London Jr. Mustangs arrived in town for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. Early in the first quarter, TNT’s Neil Hall, recovered a fumble to give the Express possession of the ball. On defence, Wyatt Hamilton, Callahan Boudreau, and Eric Sampson provided some hard hitting stops. With London forced to punt early in the game, Cole Verlinde returned the kick to place the Express in a nice field position to start the second quarter. After a break-through run by Justin Brewer, the Express found themselves with one yard to go. Receiver Denver Ross ran to the right and caught an end-zone pass from QB Will Wright to score and put the Express on the scoreboard. The Mustangs got the edge in the second half and won by two points to end the game at 14–12. The JV’s will be back on Mel Mitchell field on Sunday, May 25, to host the Clarington Knights. The kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

By Brain Lockhart

TNT Express Tyke division player Joshua Tomaszewski avoids a tackle during Sunday’s game against the Steel City Steelers. The two tyke teams played to an 18–18 tie in their first game of the season.

Through the middle. TNT Express ball carrier Nathan Monserrate drives though the middle of the Scarborough line during the Peewee division home opener at Mel Mitchell field in Beeton.

TNT Express players Cole Verlinde and Colton Douglas reach for the ball after a long pass during Sunday’s game against London. The Express played a good game and were edged out by two points in the final result.