RIVERVIEW, N.B. — For the first time in three years, the Titans were forced to dig deep on Saturday as they came home with a 23-14 win over Riverview on the road to remain in the hunt for a strong playoff role.
Due to an unfortunate incident, the Titans were recently penalized three games for the use of what the NBIAA ruled an ineligible player. But they have earned a pair of wins since then and currently stand in a tie for second place in the high school league with a 3-3 record. This is the same as held by both Fredericton and Riverview, while Moncton sits atop the league at 4-2.
Standings could be shaken up this weekend when the Saint John Greyhounds come to town for a noon matchup on Jardine Field.
Titan head coach Scott O’Neal promised on Wednesday his team will not lose another game even though they are facing a spate of injuries. Two seasons ago they missed not a single game due to injury, but this time around they have become severely handicapped through the loss of key seniors, including Oliver Longpre, Mason Prescott and Arturo Moreno de Jesus. Justin Smith has also seen limited action due to injury.
Speaking of Saturday’s win in Riverview, O’Neal said it was only because his players are trained to play hard on every down.
“Riverview has a very good team – better than any of the others in this league,” he stressed. “They have good coaching and 40 to 50 players in their senior years and have even been able to make cuts. Here we are playing a lot of Grade 10s and still winning.”
Actually, the Titans haven’t lost a game on the field since 2017 when they fell 27-26 to Riverview and have put together 20 consecutive victories and have won 43 of 44, while capturing four consecutive provincial championships.
While Aiden Godfrey, the player ruled ineligible, was a fine addition, it is obvious the Titans would have won at any rate since they play football at a level above the others.
As usual, it was defense that played a key role in Saturday’s win, as proven by a late interception by Conrad Allen that kept Riverview from mounting a late threat. Scoring for the winners were Ethan Cormier, Trevor Dulenty and Riley Estabrooks, while Joe Carpenter was good for a trio of converts, and a two-point safety accounted for all their points.
The Riverview defense was geared up to slow down the rampaging Owen O’Neal and were somewhat successful, but the Titans have a variety of weapons and still managed to rack up another W on the road.
The general feeling is that the Titans will be strong in the future as the peewee team continues to dominate the opposition and remains undefeated. This, added to the fact so many younger players have been forced into duty due to injuries, gives them the valuable experience required to maintain the Titan pride that has become a trademark of the team, which boasts the most outstanding coaching squad in the region.
So, this Saturday at noon, Jardine Field should be totally surrounded by roaring fans as their Titans will be seeking to rack up another victory and earn a better playoff standing – perhaps looking for some home games.
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