SUMMERSIDE – The Cornwall Timberwolves are hoping history repeats itself on Saturday.
The Timberwolves will face the Summerside Waterwise Spartans in the Ed Hilton Bowl at Eric Johnston Field in Summerside. The opening kickoff for the Papa John’s P.E.I. Bantam Tackle Football League championship game is set for noon.
Cornwall, which brings a 6-1 (won-lost) record into the final, is attempting to win their second bantam title while the Spartans (5-2) are trying to claim their fifth straight and sixth in the last seven years.
The Timberwolves won their only championship in 2010 – the first year of the bantam league – when they defeated the Spartans 50-43 in Summerside.
The ‘Wolves have many new faces this year as they have 10 returning players and one coach back.
“We had to make adjustments fast, but the veteran players were up for the challenge and took on the leadership role from Day 1,” said Timberwolves head coach Mark Green. “We were fortunate to recruit some great athletes that picked up the sport fast.”
Rivalry
The Summerside-Cornwall rivalry is intense and competitive, and it is expected to be no different on Saturday.
“We were nervous starting off the season against the defending-champion Spartans, knowing they would be ready and be very tough,” said Green. “So winning the first game was a huge confidence booster to the team, which helped us win the next four games.”
The Timberwolves had a number of players take their game to another level this season, and were a key part in each win.
Parker Williams and Christian Desreux are two players who controlled Cornwall’s ground game. Michael Sark anchors the offensive and defensive line, and Ben Coles leads the defence.
After playing safety the last couple years, Tyler Newson made the transition to quarterback.
“Tyler is an amazing athlete and excelled in his new position leading the offence and his team,” said Green. “We expect a big game from him on Saturday.”
Green feels the Ed Hilton Bowl should be a very competitive, a game football fans are going to want to see.
“We are really looking forward to the rematch of the 2016 championship game, where we fell a little short,” said Green. “We feel very confident going into the final week and each team is going into the game missing a few key players, which may play a factor.
“I know it is not going to be easy and we will have to execute perfectly on every play, but I feel the team is up for the challenge. I think it's going to come down to the last few minutes of the game to see who will be this year's champion.
“It will be the team wants it the most, and who can dig the deepest in the fourth quarter.”
