Lions triumph 10-9 in Coupe d’or

Jumping out to a 10-point lead highlighted by a Marco Rossi touchdown, the Lions weathered a second half storm, allowing just two scores to the dangerous Wildcats offense. As it turned out, a blocked extra point late in the third quarter by defensive back/special teams monster Shawn Steen would be the difference in the game that came right down to the wire.

Making the victory all the more impressive was that it was achieved without the services of two of the Lions top players, as starting quarterback John Doughlin and defensive end William Page, both captains, were sidelined. However, the team rallied around their missing stars and stellar efforts in their stead, particularly by first-year QB Skylar Bayliff, helped guide the Lions to the crown.

Bayliff was at his best in the fourth quarter, keeping the chains moving and allowing the Lions to wind down the clock and salt away the championship. Also instrumental in grinding out those tough yards was running back Cedric Joseph, who put forth his third consecutive all-star performance of the playoffs.

All year long it was the Lions defense that separated them from the pack, allowing a league low 79 points during the regular season and just six points in the pair of playoff games leading up to the final. They shone again in the Coupe d’or.

“Our defense was lights out,” head coach Terry Gaudreault reflected. “I can’t give enough credit to the coaches for their game planning or the players for their execution en route to shutting down that big Laurentian offense.”

Though it may have left many parents and fans with heart palpitations, the narrowly decided championship game was definitely worth the price of admission. Gaudreault, who would like to return again next year if granted the opportunity, offered a special thank you to the Lions entourage in his inaugural season as head coach.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important the efforts of the support staff, the manager, the coaches and the parents were to our success. It brought a great community together in so many ways,” said Gaudreault. “I love this team and I don’t think I could be any prouder of all they did and all the adversity they overcame.”