Express JVs win first playoff game

July 23, 2014 · 0 Comments

The TNT Express Junior Varsity team have advanced through the first round of the Ontario Minor Football League playoffs after a 20–14 win over the London Mustangs at Mel Mitchell Field on Sunday, July 20.

The Express got off to a good start early in the game when running back Justin Brewer returned the opening kick-off to the London 40 yard line.

Brewer followed up with a wide run to the right and crossed the goal to give the Express a 6–0 lead.

Kicker Denver Ross placed the ball between the uprights for the extra point.

Going on defence, the Express line managed to deliver some rockem’ sockem’ action to the London squad including some hard stops by Neil Hall, James Gilmour, Nick hunter, and Brian Escott.

The Mustangs tried for the throwing game with little success including a long pass that was knocked down by Aidan Kirkham.

Stuck deep in their own end, the London squad was forced to punt to get out of a bad situation.

Back on offence, the Express made a huge gain when quarterback Will Wright threw the long bomb to receiver Sam Barnett for the first down.

With rain clouds rolling in from the south, the teams had to adapt to some wet weather play after the field was drenched.

It was an important game. In the Junior Varsity division this season, the top six teams made the playoffs with the top two teams – Orangeville and Cambridge receiving a bye for the first round.

The standing teams will now advance the semi-final round.

The Junior Varsity championship game will be played on Sunday, August 3, at Esther Shiner Stadium in Toronto.

By Brian Lockhart