Business as usual

The North Shore Lions added yet another championship to their wall of fame dating back to 1967 last Sunday at Stade Hebert against the St-Leonard Cougars by winning the Quebec Bantam Football League finale 17-8.

Under windy and below zero weather the Lions had the tall order of defeating the Cougars for the third straight time this season. The Lions, known for their explosive offence with 334 points this season had to rely heavily on running backs Andrew Hopkins and Ernst Pierre, the two combined for 34 carries and 226 yards. The Lions scored the first of three touchdowns when Hopkins pushed one in from five yards out; the cougars responded shortly after. At half time the score was 8-7, Cougars.

“St-Leonard was well prepared for us, they came out with a new defensive formation that we didn’t have any tape for,” said head coach Jason Jourdenais. “They kept us guessing but at half time we readjusted our offensive line blocking schemes.”

As a result, the Lions caught the Cougars off guard mid-way through the third when Hopkins sprinted for the end zone in a 85 yard dash for his second major. The touchdown put the Lions ahead for good 17-8.

“This is one of the best teams I’ve coached,” said Jourdenais. “We had a lot of rookies and only about 15 returning players. For us to win with a lot more 14 years olds (than 15 year olds) is impressive, because at 14 and 15 years old it’s very different as an athlete; you’re not as mentally alert.”

On defence Dimitri Divolis recorded a game high with 10 tackles and one sack, linebacker Thomas Quinn added nine tackles and an interception while defensive back Shawn Steen contributed with eight tackles and a pick.

2008 capped another undefeated season for North Shore, since 1967 the Lions won 30 championships. This year’s rookie dominated squad managed to stay out of trouble despite the stiffer competition from long time rivals Sun Youth Hornets and St-Leonard Cougars as well as recent additions to the Bill Allan division, St-Lazare Stallions and St-Bruno Barons.

“(The competition) goes up and down every year,” said Jourdenais. “Last year we were winning every game with high scores. But this year was more humbling despite the depth we had at every position.”

“I think ever since the Alouettes came back, football in Quebec has improved, its taking root. There are a lot more teams and a lot more competition,” added Jourdenais.