Sault Minor Football Bantam Championship

It was a finish that Jordan Verdone of Scholars could only dream about. Verdone a standout player capped off a stellar six year career in the SMFA leading his Scholars team to a 34-6 championship victory over Brody's Sunday at Rocky Dipietro field. Verdone is the anchor of Scholars defence that surrendered a mere 3.17 pts per game in the Regular season and only one major in their two playoff games.

While the defence was up to task Sunday, It was the offence that was also firing on all cylinders. Running Back Michael Esson and Quarterback Marc Hurtubise were on the same page Sunday. Hurtubise connected with Esson early in the contest on a 35 yard strike for the first touchdown of the game. Hurtubise would keep the ball himself and score two unanswered touchdowns from 1 yard out. Both majors were set up by long receptions to #26 Michael Esson. Hurtubise would find Jeff Freamon in the endzone to make the score 26-0 at halftime.

Brody's looked to rebound in the second half. Tim Childs took the opening kickoff 70 yds for the touchdown to close the gap to 26-6. Brody's was successful on an onside kick and looked to carry the momentum but Scholars defense shut the door and took any remaining life out of the Brody's squad. Michael Esson would finish the scoring with a punt through the end zone for a single point and a 43 yard touchdown reception.

Tidbits

** The game was replayed in it's entirety after being postponed Friday due to lightning.

** The Griffa household is a happy one. Alex Griffa was on the Romes team that won the Tyke Divison Final while Joe Griffa was on the Scholars squad.

** President Trevor Zachary the architect of Sault Minor Football will step down after this season. Zachary started the league seven years ago. The SMFA has become the fastest growing summer sport in Sault Ste Marie. Taking over as president will be Ryan Lillington. Lillington has been with the organization since it's inception.