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The regular season couldn’t have gone any better for the St. Joseph’s Catholic High School Rams junior football team, who went a perfect 5-0 while outscoring their opponents by a whopping 160-23 margin along the way. That set the Rams up for a semi-final matchup against Catholic Central High School (CCH).
At the time of this writing, that game had yet to be played. But the Rams had their hopes set high, looking to advance to the finals (which they did two seasons ago) and then earn a spot in the WOSSAA championship game. And they liked their chances, as they beat CCH in their final regular season game, 14-3, to remain undefeated.
That game easily marked the closest contest the Rams played all season, as they cruised to victories in their other four games, including the following wins: 35-0 over Holy Cross; 34-6 over Regina Mundi; 42-7 over Mother Teresa; and 35-7 over St. Thomas Aquinas. And the Rams were strong in all facets of the game.
“We have a talented defence, led by Luke Verdel, Wyatt Sloetjes and Hunter Gilchrist, and a strong offensive line led by Carter Walt, Owen Ainsworth, Perry Murray and Brady Shantz,” said Mike Shewan, the junior team’s head coach (since 2005). “We also have an excellent running game, led by grade 9 running back Ethan Dolby, and a very good passing game, led by quarterback Rayden Aphayvong.”
All were on display throughout the regular season for the Rams, who play in the London District Athletics Division of the Thames Valley Regional Athletic Association (TVRAA). But, of course, it’s not only about the results on the field, Shewan says.
“As a coaching staff, we try to instill good work habits, team unity, and being accountable and responsible to yourself, your teammates and your school,” the coach said.
Contributions by Mike Shewan
