The 2011 QMFL finalists started the new season with a stellar defensive performance, shutting out and shutting down one of the early season favorite, the Laval Bulldogs. On the offensive side, the 16 points, which were scored in just about any fashion possible under Canadian rules (a TD, a PAT, two FG, a Safety and a Rouge), were sufficient to secure what was ultimately a convincing win for Coach James Butteau's boys.
The large crowd, in a pleasant night at St-Laurent Park, included many Spartans Alumns, city representatives, former coaches and executives as well as a fair representation of CEGEP scouts highlighting that the contest was an anticipated one. The Orange & Black older boys did not disappoint, taking matter in their own hands early in the 1st scoring a rushing TD by their star ball-carrier Willy Insixiengmay. The Defense was unrelenting from then on, harassing the opposing QB and RB's, limiting Laval to a handful of first downs and a bagful of sacks and tackles for losses.
The game represented the opening night of the 10th season since the revival of the program in 2003 under coach Allan Williams. That season, the team went 0-10 and finished dead last in the QMFL 2nd Division. The win was the perfect symbol of how far the team and the association has gone since then.
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All four teams traveled on Sat. to beautiful St-Lazare Westwood Park and fell to Stallions team that appeared a bit more ready for the challenge. Though all games remained competitive until the 4th quarter, the St-Laurent teams lacked a bit of sharpness and luck to change the outlook of the afternoon. Amongst the more noteworthy perfomances of the day, Peewee RB Latrell Pierre came away with two rushing TD's in a 100 yard+ performance and QB Chris Karabatsos completed 14 passes.
Latrell Pierre Scoring for the Peewee Team
Latrell Pierre marque pour l'équipe Peewee
Week 3, the Youth Divisions open at home in a rematch with St-Lazare. The Bantam are off, and the midget program will face the team that beat them in last season's Provincial championship final, the Laurentian Wildcats at Ste-Therese Ducharme Park.