Jun 27, 2013

Atoms

by Karl Hammer

Atom Bulldogs: Back Row - (coaches) Derek Joynt, Karl Hammer, Alex Westwater, Jim McNeely, Zach Kennedy, Blair Veldman. Middle Row: Ben O`Meara, Jack Hammer, Chad Branscombe, Warren Amey, Seth Bryan, Grady Westwater, Gavin Goodfellow, Hailey McNeely, Barret Joynt. Front Row: Nic Kott, Owen Deyo, Rein Olvet, Rhett Senior, Jacob Snider, Brody Badour, Bryson Gilpin, Mason Mcdonald. Very Front: Brahma the "Bulldog" and Keiren McNeely

The TIMFL (Thousand Islands Minor Football League) held its championships this past weekend at LaSalle High School. There were three divisions.

The Bulldog teams from Sydenham competed against teams from Gananoque, LaSalle, Frontenac.

The Bulldogs 1 team won the Atom division championship vs Falcons 21 - 7. This was the third year in a row that the Bulldogs reached the final game having to face the Falcons in each of these games. Sydenham won 2 of the 3 times.

Coach Karl Hammer says that in all his years coaching football, regardless of the age level, this team this year had the most eager and disciplined kids that he's ever coached. Each week they worked hard to prepare for their next challenge and enjoyed the process of learning the game of football.

Pee Wee

by Brock Palmer

The two Sydenham teams in the Peewee division met for a third Bulldog Bash of the season, this time for all of the marbles in the title game. Following some heavy hitting, the Bulldogs 1 team managed to pull out a victory by the score of 21 - 0, capping off an undefeated season. All three matchups between these clubs were decided by only a few plays, as each team sported dynamic offences, stingy defences, and exceptional special teams.

This team has elite player leadership and discipline for a group of grade 5 and 6 athletes. Their ability to prepare themselves mentally and execute physically is beyond their years.

This game was certainly a matchup that all of the kids wanted. It's tough to go out there and push around your friends, but both sides came out hard and tough, throwing some big blocks and making fantastic tackles. I am most proud of the sportmanship these young athletes display. They spend an hour hitting each other, then shake hands and pat pads with a smile on their face. They truly appreciate each other as rivals and teammates.

The committment to team speaks to the dedication of all the Bulldog players and their parents, who together as one group, gave each other a well deserved standing ovation and a bow following the final whistle of the season.