(Posted 2 p.m., Oct. 25)
Bantam Panthers crush west end rivals in playoff opener
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

The Cumberland Panthers team made short work of the Myers Riders in the first round of the National Capital Amateur Football Association playoffs last weekend and in the process sent a message to the remaining post-season contenders that they are the team to beat.

The Panthers steamrolled to a 68-0 win over their traditional crosstown rivals thanks to a balance attack from the air, on the ground, and on special teams where kick returner Brendon Shaw scored a 57-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He also scored on a 75-yard run in the fourth.

Cumberland Panther quarterback Christian Veilleux eludes a tackle against the Myers Riders at Millennium Park on Sunday. The Panthers would go on to win the game 68-0 to advance to the NCAFA semi-finals. Fred Sherwin/Photo

Quarterback Christian Veilleux proved once again why he is the best QB in the league, throwing a pair of touchdown passes to Jake Ruby, and a third to Dante Spaduccini who also scored on a 60-yard run in the opening stanza.

By the time the final whistle blew, Veilleux had thrown for 101 yard on 10 passes, three of them for touchdowns. He also ran the ball once for a three-yard touchdown.

Backup pivot Zach Clouthier also got in on the action, throwing a touchdown pass to Evan Scazighino at the end of the third quarter.

Running back Markaedyn Nelson rounded out the scoring with a touchdown and a 21-yard field goal. He was also a perfect eight for eight on extra point attempts.

The Panthers defence put in a strong effort as well, limiting the Riders to a handful of first downs, and refusing to allow them to cross the 55-yard line. They forced the Riders to turnover the ball twice on fumbles and concede a late safety.

Linebacker Justice Koradi led the way on defence with five solo tackles and two assists. Schneider Jean-Baptiste had four solo tackles and Nick Dignard had three, while Cyrus Behne-Switzer and Camdem Barrett got credited for the fumble recoveries.

Next up for the undefeated Panthers are the Rideau Redblacks (5-3). The two teams will play this coming weekend for a berth in the NCAFA championship. The other semifinal will pit the Kanata Knights (7-1) against the Cornwall Wildcats (6-2)

In other playoff action involving the Panthers, the mosquito team upset the West Carleton Wolverines 13-0 to advance to the semis. Unfortunately, the peewee team lost 39-14 to the Bell Warriors, however, they will get a chance to redeem themselves when they play in the B-Cup semi-finals this weekend.

The undefeated Panthers tyke team had the weekend off to prepare for their opening playoff game which is also being played this weekend.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)

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