By JIm den Hollander
Publisher/Editor
Orilliasports.ca
A pair of late-game scores by Tyler Hinds helped the Wagner Lawn Care Trojans to a 32-26 edge in overtime against previously undefeated Rick Grant Landscaping Blues in the SportsKlub Flag His Power Bowl 39 championship game Sunday night.
His first score, a five-yard catch lifted the Trojans into a lead for the first time in the contest but the Blues responded quick, setting up the game winning score as Hinds exploded for a score on a play that originated on the Trojan goal line.
Blues entered the game as favorites, looking to wrap up a perfect 12-0 season run with a title and in the early minutes, the team went to work, storming to a 13-0 cushion while fans were still finding their seats. Matt Planta showing off his moves and speed with some long runs to the end zone. Both plays covered 95 yards, the first with a pass from Connor Woodbeck and the other thrown by Rick Grant.
While Trojans tightened up defensively to deny the Blues on its next pair of possessions before Mathieu Bolduc got his team on the board, hauling in a 5-yard pass from Oswell James. Another five-yard score from James to Martin Cunningham sent teams to the sidelines, even at 13-13 for the halftime break.
Woodbeck found Grant for a 25-yard strike to put the Blues in front again in the third quarter but Hinds took a turn as the signal caller and found Bolduc for a 70-yard play to even it up once again.
Defenses took over from there and teams were still even at 20-20 at the end of regulation.
Trojans got the ball first in overtime and Hinds gave his team its first lead hauling in a 20-yard pass from Sam Skalosky. Planta responded, going behind center and hitting Vince Pitines who turned a short slant pass into a 95-yard touchdown strike. Trojans missed on their point after attempt but denied Blues an extra point as well to force a second extra frame.
Another 95 yard Skalosky to Hinds play with a mixed PAT pushed the Trojans to a 32-26 lead and a three and out for the Blues capped off the upset win.
Sports Klub Orillia founder/director Tyler Evans said while presenting the PowerBowl and reiterated in an email interview that this game was historical to the Klub and sticks out as the best game ever?so far.
“I genuinely believe it was the greatest game in SportsKlub history. The Blues came in undefeated at 12-0, jumped out to an early lead, and the Trojans never quit,” said Evans. “To see the game go to overtime and then end with a championship-winning touchdown was something special. It had the atmosphere, the storylines and the quality of play that you hope for in a championship game.”
The championship game wrapped up an expansion season for the Klub from four to six teams and Evans said he talent pool sustained the additions well
“We?re always open to growth, but we?re very mindful of making sure we can maintain the culture and playing experience that make SportsKlub unique. If we expand again, it will be because we feel we can do it the right way.”
Part of the Sports Klub mandate is competitive and exciting action but also all-inclusive. The football season showed the players respect sportsmanship and fun above all else.
“The game was a great reflection of what SportsKlub is all about,” said Evans.. “It was incredibly competitive, but when it was over there were handshakes, smiles and mutual respect between both teams. The Trojans earned an incredible comeback victory, and the Blues still capped off one of the most impressive seasons we?ve ever seen.”
The quest for PowerBowl 40 will take place in the Fall season, set to kick off August 23.
Trojans 32 Blues 26
Scoring Plays
1Q – BLU – Connor Woodbeck throws 95 yard touchdown pass to Matt Planta. PAT NO GOOD. (6-0 BLU)
1Q – BLU – Rick Grant throws 95 yard touchdown pass to Matt Planta. PAT GOOD. (13-0 BLU)
1Q -TRJ – Oswell James throws 5 yard touchdown pass to Matt Bolduc. PAT GOOD (13-7 BLU)
2Q – TRJ – Oswell James throws 5 yard touchdown to Martin Cunningham. PAT NO GOOD (13-13)
3Q – BLU – Connor Woodbeck throws 25 yard touchdown pass to Rick Grant. PAT GOOD (20-13 BLU)
4Q – TRJ – Tyler Hinds throws 70 yard touchdown pass to Matt Bolduc. PAT GOOD (20-20)
OT – TRJ – Sam Skalosky throws 20 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Hinds. PAT NO GOOD (26-20 TRJ)
OT – BLU – Matt Planta throws 95 yard touchdown pass to Vince Pitines. PAT NO GOOD (26-26)
OT – TRJ – Sam Skalosky throws 95 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Hinds.
Halftime entertainment was provided by the Branch 34 Orillia Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band.
Check out the game here courtesy SportsKlub Orillia.